Week5 Reading Interface

Oct4.2025

Reading Drucker’s “Reading Interface” reminded me of how interfaces are often portrayed as independent, almost automatic entities. Yet, I see them differently: interfaces are entirely human-made, shaped by decisions about icons, menus, layouts, and interactions. As the text notes, interfaces do more than display information—they shape reading and behavior. Every design choice reflects the intentions and values of its creators, which raises questions about power: who decides these designs, whose perspectives are prioritized, and how do these choices influence the ways we engage with information and each other? Interfaces are not neutral tools; they are cultural artifacts that embed norms, ideologies, and priorities.

I see this clearly in my own experience with digital platforms. The dominance of Western norms, aesthetics, and cultural trends subtly shapes how users—including myself—perceive what is important or desirable. For instance, Spotify’s visual hierarchy and layout immediately draw attention to certain genres, signaling what is culturally “worth listening to.” Its algorithm tracks my listening habits and constantly recommends music with similar aesthetics, keeping me within the same cultural circle. I realize now that I often follow these recommendations without thinking, rarely exploring genres or artists outside the mainstream. The platform feels interactive, but much of its influence happens subtly, guiding my tastes and choices without my full awareness. I can feel how easy it is to be trapped in this interface, passively consuming what the algorithm presents, and missing opportunities to engage with music and art beyond what is highlighted as valuable or important.