Respectfully, I propose you are limiting yourself when using left-to-right text-interfaces. I think consumer-friendly may be a bit unfair as well. I'm currently learning sign language and in parallel programming a Leap Motion interface so as to bypass one-dimension (a line of symbols) and two-dimensions (a gui on a plane) and more easily encapsulate concepts (words) by states of motion in three dimensions.
Text-interfaces work well because they restrict input to precise parameters, however as interfaces become "smarter" and are able to capture the meaning of imprecise interfaces such as hand gestures and interpret them precisely without requiring the user to deliver them with robotic precision, interfaces will become more expressive, we will be able to work more naturally in the domain in which we think, which is, these physical three dimensions.
If you've ever watched a mathematics professor write on the chalk board you'll know what I mean. So expressive. So much conveyed with so few markings. And yet, very sloppy. But still. Reading it off the board, those symbols just feel so much better in your head than any words would.
Text-interfaces work well because they restrict input to precise parameters, however as interfaces become "smarter" and are able to capture the meaning of imprecise interfaces such as hand gestures and interpret them precisely without requiring the user to deliver them with robotic precision, interfaces will become more expressive, we will be able to work more naturally in the domain in which we think, which is, these physical three dimensions.
If you've ever watched a mathematics professor write on the chalk board you'll know what I mean. So expressive. So much conveyed with so few markings. And yet, very sloppy. But still. Reading it off the board, those symbols just feel so much better in your head than any words would.