5 Signals That Hint at the Future of AI Interactions

by Jeff Humble

Dear Reader,

The AI landscape is changing fast, and the way we interact with AI is changing even faster.

Who knows what the UX of AI will be in 2035?

Right now, most of us talk to AI through clunky, chat-based interfaces. But new hardware hints at something more human and ambient.

Today, I want to share 5 signals: surprising examples from today that suggest where the future might end up, and a method used by future foresight professionals.

Here are 5 signals about the future of UX & AI

Signal #1: Meta Ray-Bans Are Quietly Winning the AI Wearables Game with Simple UX

Meta has sold over 2 million AI-powered smart glasses. Why? They’re stylish, subtle, and usable. Unlike the Humane Pin, they don’t scream “look at my tech.”

🔗 See More Meta Ray-Bans​

How might we integrate fashionable, easy-to-use, screenless AI experiences in the future?

Signal #2: The Doom Box is a DIY, Offline AI Computer

Built in a Faraday cage using Raspberry Pi, this apocalypse-proof device keeps AI private and usable...no cloud connection (or subscription) required!

🔗 See the Doom Box​

How might we learn from hobbyists' off-grid & offline AI hardware?

Signal #3: Infinite Memory Through Wearable AI

Startups like Limitless and Bee offer pendants and earbuds that record and transcribe everything you hear. The result? A searchable memory bank of your daily life.

🔗 See the Limitless Pendant​

How might we pair simple hardware with AI to come up with new user value?

Signal #4: AI Mirrors That Monitor Your Health

Withings’ concept AI mirror blends into your bathroom while tracking posture, heart rate, and more. It’s passive, ambient, and strangely comforting.

🔗 Preview the Withings Mirror​

How might we bring old inputs into new AI-powered interfaces?

Signal #5: OpenAI +Jony Ive Are Building a Voice-First AI Device

Sam Altman and Jony Ive are working on a $6.5B ambient AI device. It's got no screen, but a lot of presence. It’s the anti-iPhone, and it could reshape how we think about smart homes.

🔗 Read about the Device​

How might we design experiences that are ambient and screenless?

Inputs for UX Strategy & Innovation

These signals aren’t predictions; they’re inputs for designing strategy and creating innovative new products.

They hint at where the UX of AI might go:

• Screenless, sensory-first design?
• AI that’s local, private, and personal?
• Devices that blend in rather than stand out?
• Memory, health, and presence as new design frontiers?

And most importantly, AI interfaces might not look like interfaces at all?

Anything is possible. Now is the perfect moment to get creative and come up with a new strategy to surf this AI wave.

What do you think?

Want to go deeper?

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​Source, yours truly

Stay curious! 🔭

Jeff Humble ​Designer & Co-Founder ​The Fountain Institute

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P.S. I've decided to run another LIVE cohort of Defining UX Strategy this autumn. Click here to join the waitlist​