DOC is a publication from Fabricio Teixeira and Caio Braga that I’ve linked to before. Their latest reflection is on interfaces.
A good user interface is a good conversation.
Interfaces thrive on clarity, responsiveness, and mutual understanding. In a productive dialogue, each party clearly articulates their intentions and receives timely, understandable responses. Just as a good conversationalist anticipates the next question or need, a good interface guides you smoothly through your task. At their core, interfaces translate intent into action. They’re a bridge between what's in your head and what the product can do.
Reflection is the best word I’ve found to describe these pieces. They’re hype-free, urging us to take a step back, and—at least for me—a reminder about our why.
In the end, interfaces are also a space for self-expression.
The ideal of "no interface" promises ultimate efficiency and direct access—but what do we lose in that pursuit? Perhaps the interface is not just a barrier to be minimized, but a space for human expression. It's a canvas; a place to imbue a product with personality, visual expression, and a unique form of art.
When we strip that away, or make everything look the same, we lose something important. We trade the unique and the delightful for the purely functional. We sacrifice a vital part of what makes technology human: the thoughtful, and sometimes imperfect, ways we present ourselves to the world.
