Invisible software interfaces

From real world metaphors to vector Experiences.

Interfaces started with familiar metaphors—folders, files, desktops—mirroring the physical world to help us interact with digital data. But today, interfaces are transitioning to something entirely new: they’re becoming invisible, interpreting our intentions directly without visible structures.

With invisible interfaces, you don’t need to specify a folder or file. When you ask, “Show me photos from my last hiking trip,” you’re expressing a concept—a mix of time, location, people, and events. Modern technology breaks down this request into vectors, capturing each detail without traditional navigation.

This shift is already happening. Today’s interfaces are starting to leverage “latent” or “vectorized” spaces—complex data relationships that understand context rather than static categories. Instead of leading you through rows of files or links, invisible interfaces interpret what you mean, responding with relevance, not location.

These interfaces, powered by machine learning and natural language processing, blend into our experiences. We’re already using them when we interact with digital assistants, search engines, and personalized feeds; but that's just the low hanging fruit.

Fitt's law is rapidly dying.

As this transformation continues, “using” a device or “navigating” an app will fade away. Technology will simply flow with us, adapting to our needs, becoming invisible.