Introduction

First off, what is Microsoft surface? Surface is a new and forthcoming desktop computer, but it has so much more to offer than the desktop we know and use on a day to day basis. On first glance, it may look like a simple desk or table, but it is actually a computer, with an enormous touch screen for input. There is still more to it, it syncs with devices and items that are placed on the Surface. This opens up so many possibilities, not only for technology to advance, but for web designers to produce sites in a new and exhilarating way.

Design features

From a web designers stand point, Surface is appealing with a large touch screen to design upon. This opens up a whole new aspect to hand drawn design. Imagine, being able to sketch out a logo and add colors or textures with just a tap and stroke of a pen. Along with having the ability to grab and re-arrange certain aspects of the design, using just the touch capability.

From a developers view, Surface can offer many features that can make life easier. Security is a big issue that developers look at. What if, you could have a customer login using their signature? This also presents problems, forgery is possible. What if, you own a business, and you require employees to use a special card to login to their account on the site?

Client interaction can be addressed with Surface as well. A client walks in and you can throw together a rough sketch or render of what they want. Exchange contact information via placing your phones on the surface. Let’s say another meeting with the client; you are presenting a mock up of their new web site. The client says they don’t like a feature on the site; you can grab that part of the page and remove it. This would make a satisfied client to see what they want before final copy comes around.

Let’s talk e-commerce. You have made a site that has a downloadable software package. It requires you to pay for this package. Place your credit card on the Surface and pay for the software easy. This also presents the same security problems as above. Ways to work around this is to have a PIN number for the card per site. It would act as a unique password for that site and your card.

Conclusion

As technology is ever advancing, web design and how we design sites changes too. Though Surface isn’t ready for the main-stream public, the exciting possibility that we may be able to do to design is something to hope for. Progressing how we build the web will shape the web for a brighter and more flexible future. What do you think about Surface, how can you think of using it?