Over the last month or so, I've worked on a kiosk project, watched Apple release the iPad and ate a couple of breakfast tacos. And I can't help but wonder: What's it going to be like when our physical environments become even more digital? Will we eventually live in the Minority Report?

The digital invasion of public spaces has been in motion for years. We've got CoinStar to help us make change on the fly, RedBox to spit out DVDs and bank ATMs to grab some cash without a teller. Don’t forget the growing world of digital signage, too. As the technology becomes more cost-effective, I think we can expect to see big brands create custom, brand-centric interactive environments—ones that harvest useful data from the public and enchant all five senses. (Sample perfume fragrances via kiosk or get a whiff of an "unidentifiable asian food dish" at the mall).

So, here's a peek at a few ways the digital world is currently permeating the physical world:

Innovative Touch Surfaces
Apple's iPad: With its release in April 2010, the public can fill their growing appetite for touch technology — everywhere they go.
Jeff Han on TED: A must-see demo from the pioneer of multi-touch technology. Check out his Perceptive Pixel, too.
Microsoft Surface: One of the major players of touch technology in recent years.
CNN's Magic Wall: Provides nightly interactive infographics and content during news coverage.
Reactable: Brought interactive tabletop gaming and live electronic music to the public's attention.
Inamo: View the live chef cam, place an order or check out nearby movie theaters on your dining table.
iBar: Playful light surface to complement your beverage of choice.

Interactive Walls, Floors and Projections
Apple's Hyper Wall at WWDC 2009: A 20-screen display showed the 20,000 most popular iPhone apps and highlighted real-time downloads, at 3,000 per minute.
Multi-Toe Touch Floor: Tap, step and stomp to control the floor. It's probably fitting to also mention the Wii Balance Board here, too.
IBM's Smarter Planet Interactive Billboard: Color-sensitive cameras change the screen color based on each consumer's shirt as they stand in front of it.
CNN Hologram Interview: See Anderson Cooper interview musician Will.I.Am via a Star Wars-style hologram.
Diesel's Interactive Storefront: Cue the rock band when you pass by this fashion store façade.
3D Live Video Mapping: Playful video on buildings has been happening for a while now, and it's still pretty neat. Check out this AC/DC exhibition, too.
Dell Children's Interactive Donor Wall: A cool way to engage the kids and display donors to the public.
Interactive Rear Windows: Watch ads in the traffic in front of you, or on digital billboards.

Next-Level Self Service
Jack in the Box Ordering Kiosk: Get your burger without speaking to anybody. Or your taco combo, if you prefer Taco Bell.
Best Buy Mini-Store: Get your electronic fix wherever you can find one (usually an airport).
Hospital Check-In: Get in line for the doctor by using a kiosk.
Coke's Touch Vending: Uses a touch interface to make purchasing a soft drink more interesting.
Wonder Pizza: Prepares and cooks a pizza in 3 minutes using infrared, for better or worse.
Zugara's Webcam Social Shopper: Try on new outfits from the comfort of your home.

Going Forward
While we might not live in Minority Report just yet, out-of-home digital experiences are here to stay. Here are three trends to keep an eye on going forward: 

1. Designers and developers need to keep their thinking fresh and innovative in how to approach user interfaces and digital experiences that will be placed in public spaces.
2. The public’s appetite for sleek interfaces and interactive experiences is growing, and they’re becoming more savvy and educated with a variety of technologies and products.
3. Brands have the opportunity to be creative with their experiences and win over our hearts and minds with innovative engagements.