Zero UI
Zero UI is a design approach that reduces or removes the on-screen graphical interface and relies on voice, gestures, context, sensors and automation for people to interact with technology
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
The phrase was popularised in 2015 by Andy Goodman, then at the design consultancy Fjord, who foresaw a future with fewer screens and more ambient interactions. Examples include smart speakers that respond to voice, thermostats that learn habits, watches that react to gestures and cars that unlock as you approach.
It does not mean there is no interface, but that the interface becomes invisible or moves to other senses. It raises its own challenges: making features discoverable, giving clear feedback without a screen, allowing errors to be corrected and protecting the privacy of data collected by sensors.
Also known as
Invisible interface