Modern UX Sucks! Reviving HCI Fundamentals for Web, Desktop, and AI

Let's talk user experience. Windows 11? Inconsistent. Liquid Glass? Difficult. Flat web design? Bland. Desktop apps? Slow. In an age of advanced computing power, high-end displays, and sophisticated design systems, why does software feel increasingly frustrating to use? While we rush to optimize software and websites for visual trends, engagement metrics, and AI, foundational Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles are being cast aside. This talk revisits core HCI fundamentals (such as discoverable affordances, explicit visual cues, and meaningful feedback) and contrasts them against today’s minimalist design trends. We will analyze where modern interfaces succeed, where they alienate users, and how AI is shaping the future of design. Finally, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to restore usability, improve responsiveness, and ensure that human-centric accessibility remains at the core of your software and website designs.