Editorial Pointers

We’ve devoted much coverage in this magazine to tracing the refinement and redesign of computer interfaces to achieve more fluid, natural forms of interaction with users (aka humans). The goal in all cases—regardless of the discipline—is always to move the technology closer to human-human forms of communication and interaction. This month we focus on a segment of this research that often lets body language do the talking; the fusing of two or more interfaces to recognize user motions and respond intelligently to these actions.

Multimodal interfaces incorporate an array of such actions, including speech, body and hand gestures, gait recognition, eye gazing, and fingerprints, as input modes. This month’s special section spotlights a new crop of multimodal interfaces more flexible, adaptable, and reconfigurable than ever and that operate in a growing province of contexts. Guest editors Sharon Oviatt, Trevor Darrel, and Myron Flickner have brought together some of the leaders in the field to share the latest advancements, as well as the challenges still faced in creating interface robustness, and present a glimpse of future applications in security, communications, and mobile systems.

Also in this issue, Cohen et al. offer valuable guidance for managers of software development teams by addressing the layers of conflict that routinely arise in software testing. Cumberland et al. examine meteor burst communications technologies and the types of equipment and techniques required to set up a potential MBC network literally out of this world. And Schwartzkopf et al. investigate how companies can ensure their IT staffs have the critical skills needed to respond to the technologically changing workplace.

Aiken et al. advise architects of tomorrow’s networking infrastructure that much can be learned from the canons of the ARPANET and NSFNET in terms of supporting integrated research. Dattero and Galup present survey results indicating varying programming language strengths among men and women in the field, and how these differences indeed change over time. Gopal points out the intricacies of software piracy involve far more than just economics. And Luo and Najdawi discuss the importance of building consumer trust into health portals as they are one of the most cited reasons consumers use the Internet.

Finally, let me point you to ACM’s Annual Report for FY03, which presents an overview of the accomplishments, ambitious projects, and future goals of the Association.

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year.

Diane Crawford,
Editor