Direct manipulation vs. interface agents

B en Shneiderman is a long-time proponent of direct manipulation for user interfaces. Direct manipulation affords the user control and predictability in their interfaces. Pattie Maes believes direct manipulation will have to give way to some form of delegation— namely software agents. Should users give up complete control of their interaction with interfaces? Will users want to risk depending on " agents " that learn their likes and dislikes and act on a user's behalf? Ben and Pattie debated these issues and more at both IUI 97 yourself where the future of interfaces should be headed—and why.