A More Human Siri: Designer Proposes a Visual Overhaul for Apple’s Assistant
Apple’s Siri has long been a staple of teh tech giant’s ecosystem, but its current presentation - a glowing orb – might potentially be falling short in the age of increasingly sophisticated AI assistants. A new UI concept from designer stephen Geskin aims to address this, proposing a dedicated avatar for Siri, particularly within the immersive habitat of apple’s Vision Pro.This redesign isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building trust and fostering a more natural interaction with your digital assistant.
The Current Siri Experience & Why It Needs a Change
Currently, Siri on Vision Pro appears as a simple glass orb with a pulsing waveform. Geskin argues this feels impersonal, especially as Apple integrates more advanced AI capabilities into Siri. He believes a more defined presence is crucial for users to connect with and rely on the assistant.
Imagine speaking to a disembodied voice versus a character that can respond with visual cues – the latter feels inherently more engaging. This concept taps into the growing need for AI to feel less like a tool and more like a collaborative partner.
Introducing a Familiar Face
Geskin’s redesign draws heavily from Apple’s existing design language. The proposed avatar blends the company’s signature gradient color scheme with the iconic face found in the macOS Finder. This creates a digital presence that’s both approachable and instantly recognizable.
He initially explored more ambitious ideas,even drawing inspiration from characters like Miss Minutes from the loki series. Ultimately, he landed on a simpler design rooted in Apple’s established visual identity.
Why a Visual Avatar Matters
By giving Siri a face, Geskin aims to move beyond abstract interaction. You’d no longer be speaking at a glow, but to a character capable of expressing responses and conveying presence. This approach is reminiscent of Microsoft’s Clippy, which, despite its limitations, garnered affection from users simply by being visible and tangible.
Here’s how a visual avatar could enhance your experience:
Increased Trust: A face fosters a sense of personality and reliability.
Improved Engagement: visual cues like expressions make interactions more dynamic.
Stronger Connection: You’re more likely to feel agreeable and connected to a character than an abstract form.
Unified Experience: The avatar could extend beyond Vision Pro, creating a consistent Siri experience across all your apple devices.
A Design Rooted in Apple’s DNA
Geskin intentionally kept the concept playful yet grounded in Apple’s existing aesthetic. He avoided designs that could feel uncanny or unsettling, prioritizing a familiar and welcoming visual. The result is a concept that feels like a natural evolution of Siri, rather than a radical departure.
This isn’t just about making Siri look different; it’s about making it feel different. It’s about creating an assistant that you genuinely enjoy interacting with.
The future of Siri?
For now, geskin’s redesign remains a concept. Though, he believes it represents a valuable step forward for Apple. The design’s potential extends beyond Vision Pro, offering the possibility of a unified Siri avatar across the entire Apple ecosystem.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an AI assistant that feels less like a technology and more like a helpful companion.
What are your thoughts on a visual Siri? Share your opinions in the comments below.