With the advent of Microsoft Surface and the upcoming Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft is attempting to redefine the human-computer interaction paradigm. The Redmond company has constantly increased the focus on natural user interfaces, and the evolution of existing computing interaction models beyond the now traditional mouse and keyboard. With Windows 7 and accompanying touch-capable hardware, the software giant can plant the seeds for NUI to become virtually ubiquitous. But at the same time, the natural user interfaces are about much more than the personal computer, or devices. Microsoft Surface is in this regard a prelude to every surface becoming a touch-computer.

“Imagine technology around you integrated so seamlessly to the point it is invisible, anticipatory, comfortable and relevant anytime/anywhere. Why does the snapshot of the future always have to be synonymous with ‘digital’ and flurry of shiny, new devices? The theme is ultimately providing people the direct ability to affect their surrounding world, real-time without compromising their comfortable surroundings,” revealed Dane Storrusten, lead experience designer at Microsoft Surface.

The two videos embedded below are a couple of concepts developed by Microsoft and presented at CHI 2009. The concepts involve the integration of natural user interfaces in both home and work environments. Of course, the reality will not end up matching the videos, but expect natural user interfaces to become ubiquitous and mundane in the future.

“In attempt to visualize a more casual approach to the future of ‘technology’ here are a couple of concept videos recently shown at CHI2009 in the Concept Video segment. These pieces were directed and driven by Microsoft Surface’s own August de los Reyes and Dane Storrusten with the unique stylings of INVIVIA to communicate a new aesthetic for NUI, or should we say XUI?” Storrusten added.