Why Bigger Screens Aren't the Answer

While the age of the smartphone has ushered in a new world of expectations on device versatility, it's also created host of new problems we're failing to solve. Yes, screens are a massively powerful tool in simplifying device interfaces, packing tons of function into a small footprint. But the real question becomes, what are we giving up by doing this?

YOU RELY ON TACTILITY MORE THAN YOU REALIZE

Close your eyes and imagine yourself driving. Now imagine reaching down and changing the radio station, now the air conditioner. Odds are that you'll be able to imagine how each of those knobs feels given that you've probably hundreds of times without looking, instinctively being able to describe the different between the sizes or the knobbiness of each of the controls.

Now, think about this interior from the Tesla model 3.

It is undeniably beautiful, reducing all the visual noise, centralizing all the interfaces in to a big, vibrant screen to create a symphony in simplicity. But, imagine changing the air conditioning in it. With the only screen in the middle, drivers need to divert attention, taking eyes off the road. While Tesla has a future in autonomous driving that might eliminate the need for users to keep their eyes on the road, there are lots of other cases where being able to use things without diverting attention is valuable, but almost rendered impossible by integration of screen based interfaces.

We inherently multi-task doing one thing with our hands and while looking away (in fact, I'm doing it now typing this sentence; my fingers are finding the keys seamlessly based on habit and tactile knowledge), especially with mundane things, screen-based interfaces create the need for focused attention. This is especially true as the interfaces become more layered, burying functions that are needed behind a long set of selections and creating the need to remember how to access something that used to be simple readily available by button.

SCREEN OVERLOAD IS BAD TOO

That's not to say being surrounded by screens is better. Embedding screens in everything that we own can create exhaustion, especially when the thing that the screen is in feels simple enough to use without it. Consumers are starting to realize that screens that lack focus are an unnecessary premium on products that they shop for, and that brands are using screens as shorthand for "upcharge." The result is that more consumers are opting for options that feel more suited for their needs.

Screens need purpose. Without purpose, it's hard to rationalize a premium, leaving consumers feeling like they've been bamboozled. What's worse is when the screen feels half-baked, AND removes something that once felt intuitive and already easier to use.

Take the Apple Touchbar for example. Once heralded as a new innovation that would unlock new interactions, it sacrificed the top row of keys for a flexible centralized interface that promised an increase in productivity. But, there was no specific purpose, no defined use case that made it feel like a necessity. Customization of the keys was a new habit, and it forced people, who typically don't look at the keyboard when typing, to look down and find the key's functions as it changed from app-to-app.

To exacerbate the mistake and the feeling of wasted investment, it eliminated physical keys that their power users counted on. Like the Tesla, it eliminated all the tactile interfaces and made the experience worse (but the laptop doesn't have autonomous use to rely on for the future). The result is that it's languished for years, and is now on the chopping block despite its promise (I strongly believe it can be saved, but not in its current form).

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR UX?

While big, gorgeous vibrant screens are awe inspiring, we should be investing time in small screens, ones that could be embedded into tactile, physical controls. The hope is that these screens will be much more focused and purposeful, handling a much smaller range of functions in a focused way. These small screen on physical controls will balance tangible interfaces, allowing users the confidence of their selections, with deep complex interactions.

We've already started to see brands starting to explore this balance: Range Rover's new center console utilizes knobs for AC control, allowing drivers to find and change the setting without moving their eyes.

And, the Microsoft Surface Dial uses a physical knob that can move around the screen to create localized interface actions wherever it is place.

Large screens will always have a place to centralize information for consumption, but often when it comes to UX that users need to interact with, smaller is better.