The Best Interface Is No Interface: The Simple Path to Brilliant Technology

Foreword

Ellis Hamburger

Why do phones ring?

Back when the telephone was first invented, ringers were used to call our attention to important incoming messages. They sounded like alarms, shrill electrical burps and gurgles that duly represented the urgency. And people loved it. Much as early travelers took pride in flying and dressed up for the occasion, phone callers were happy to be in demand, picking up at a moment’s notice, even if it meant leaping off the toilet and tripping mid-stride on one’s underwear.

Today, ringers are just annoying. Why couldn’t someone just text to see if I’m available instead of calling and interrupting what I’m doing? Some might even say, “Why call at all?” As our lives have become increasingly oversaturated with ...