Die Neue Command Line

I realized that there has been quite a resurgence of “command line” like (command-like?) interfaces. The collage below is by no means complete, but it does show a few products that use text UIs as a primary or auxiliary means of interaction.

Looking at the image from top-left to bottom-right:

• Yubnub: Issue a command like flk ponies and you’ll receive Flickr results that match “ponies”.
• Quicksilver: tap command-space and start typing to search, manipulate files, issue commands, etc.
• Enso: similar to quicksilver, though tuned toward spell checking and launching applications.
• IMFied: add, review to-do lists and notes through IM.
• Backpack: create notes and todos via email

What is interesting is the decision to use this as a high-level interaction mode. One of the arguments against text-based interaction is that it obscures the interface and imposes a steeper learning curve on the user. On the other hand, command line enthusiasts note greater efficiency and flow.

Given that these examples cater toward an early adopter / power-user market, I’m inclined to feel that this UI is reasonable. It will be interesting to see whether any of these products–especially those that use text as the primary interface–make inroads with the more pragmatic users.

One Response to “Die Neue Command Line”

• Jonathan Aquino said:
  February 7th, 2007 at 7:48 am

  Lovely collage!

  Jon
  yubnub/ning

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