Why Voice Will Not Displace

Jan 10, 2024

Many start-ups are leading their thesis with a "post keyboard" or "post interface" future, in which voice interactions are the way forward.

I think this is an error of first principles thinking.


for voice:

The number of use cases for speaking to computers is narrow for a few reasons:

  1. using voice is exhausting

  2. it disrupts others

  3. it is inefficient (vs a click, shortcut, or code)

It is a valuable addition to the way we interact with computers, not a replacement.


for interfaces:

Humans are primarily visual beings. we use visual cues to communicate and express ourselves.

In software, GUIs enable us not only to create differentiated experiences and feelings, but also to create visual shortcuts to enable the user to navigate and get things done.

A single click of a button can replace a few sentences.

Interfaces also enable us to capture more information than would be possible with words alone.

I continue to think that well designed interfaces add value to software by making it more delightful, easier to use, and more efficient - and that visual expression of software is still among the most overlooked areas of innovation.


for keyboards:

Typing quickly and well may not be accessible to everyone, but the invention and adoption of keyboard shortcuts has to be among the most significant contributions to productivity.

Enabling users to express themselves in silence is also a blessing for a society is which we coexist in physical spaces - for maintaining respect for others, but also for personal privacy.

There might be novel keyboard innovations underway: software specific keyboards, custom shortcut keyboards, or generative keyboards... but I do not expect voice to take their place.


Don't get me wrong: new technology and ways of interacting with it is always welcomed.

It is just the "zero sum" mentality that assumes that it has to be "either or" that I disagree with.

There is room for it all, but despite all of the hype around the rapid pace of change, there is always a human user behind it - and human nature doesn't change that fast.