Touch interface is changing the way we work and think. You can see it everywhere these days. Engineers are not exclusion from the list – many companies these days are looking how to change the way they operate using mobile and other touch devices. Few months ago I was talking about mobile touch interfaces. Navigate here to refresh – What CAD and PLM vendors need to learn about mobile touch interface?
Let’s talk about drawing boards. Those of you long time with the industry remember them well. Personal computers, in my view, became a second generation of drawing boards. You’ve got screens instead of paper and mouse instead of pencils. Today I want to talk about next change. In my view, the third generation of drawing boards is coming. Those of you who follow my blog probably remember – From iMat to iDesk: The future of engineering appliance. CAD for engineers blog [in Russian] published an interesting article about how your next drawing board will look like. It called “back to drawing board”? I captured an interesting link to Bald Technologies Group. These devices are fascinating. The new way of work can provide lots of additional potential value for engineers. Take a look on the following device.
Ultra-low latency and near zero parallax combined with unlimited touch points delivers the most natural and most precise touch interface you’ve ever experienced. The 82” display features a sensor that is optically bonded to the LCD, an unprecedented feat at this scale thus enabling the use of a thinner and lighter piece of glass, virtually eliminating parallax. Optical bonding also delivers a more rugged display with less reflection and better contrast for an improved visual experience.
What is my conclusion? I found these new type of interfaces interesting. It comes down to the way information access paradigm can be changed. The complexity of information required for designer and engineer during the product development process is growing. Today is not unusual to see 2 monitor desktop systems as a standard in all engineering organizations. There are many situations when engineers are printing materials for temporarily usage during the design time. Having huge touch screen can change the design experience and improve productivity. And… it is cool, of course 
. Just my thoughts..
Best, Oleg
