And then there’s the possibility of digitizing and abstracting these tools. Steve Jobs argues that a blank surface allows for a far richer, and more adaptable set of interfaces, and I have to agree. (Word suggestions on a keyboard is a good example.) It’s a tradeoff between tangibility and flexibility (and convenience), I think, and perhaps digital versions of rulers and keyboards will prove to be worth the tradeoff.

but given the “innacuracy” of our hands doesn’t mean things should be made bigger to accomodate them. rather we have a long history of creating our own tools to be more precised. i.e. pencils, rulers, etc. these types of customary devices should be incorporated but hands should not be excluded.

i agree with allen tan about the future being large screens i too posted about emerging physical interfaces a while back here and here. it seems obvious to me that in future workspaces it will resemble the drafting rooms of days past (i.e. microsoft sustainability )

these are exactly the types of discussions that need to be had, and creators of not only web content need to anticipate retihinking how users interact, but creative software companies, adobe, autodesk, etc. need to as well.

thanks.
Ken