2016 was a big year for UI experts and designers. Consumers saw various improvements in their online interactions and even the International Criminal Court have benefited from the developments through an evidence-presentation platform. Below are some of the best user interface improvements that WIRED has compiled.

ICC Tool

Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi was convicted in late September for taking part in destroying nine mausoleums in Timbuktu, Mali. According to The Art Newspaper, a digital tool developed by Situ Research was used to help produce the evidence needed for the case. Prosecutors used the evidence-presentation interface to collect videos and pictures that showed the historical shrines before and after they were wiped out.

Al-Mahdi will be serving nine years behind bars, according to The New York Times. Al-Mahdi, who is a jihadist group member, pleaded guilty to the crimes before he was sentenced.

InstruMMent "Pen"

The problem with curved spots and tape measures has finally been resolved. Pearl has come up with a device for users to get accurate measurements, even in curved surfaces. The tool, dubbed as the Instrumment 01, is similar to a pen and has a wheel on the end that rolls while a user is measuring a certain object. The device is one of the best user interface developments in 2016 as it also stores the measurement data and sends it to an app for reference.

MacBook Pro's Touch Bar

When Apple debuted the new generation MacBook Pro in October, the function keys were gone. Instead, the tech giant replaced it with a touch bar that marked one of the biggest user interface developments for the year.

Digital Spy pointed out in its review of the MacBook Pro 2016 that Apple's new touch bar has changed the traditional way of using the computer. The OLED touch screen display provides users with useful shortcuts and several other features that did not come with the laptop's predecessors.

Reactions on Facebook

Earlier this year, Facebook added Reactions, which are meant to help convey human emotions better. Users of the platform can now communicate their feelings in a more improved manner through emoticons that express love, anger, sadness, happiness and awe.

There are other user interface developments that were rolled out this year. However, the mentioned upgrades are considered as some of the most notable innovations that helped improved man's digital experience.