1. An I/O platform, comprising: an I/O surface having one or more integrated I/O devices selected from input devices and output devices; a proximity detection system configured to: detect when a finger is in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface; detect a position of the finger above the I/O surface when the finger is detected in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface; select, based on an application appearing on the I/O surface when the finger is detected in close proximity to the I/O surface but independent of x and y components of the position of the finger over the application, a first graphical user interface element from a plurality of available graphical user interface elements operable to allow input to be provided at least by movement of the finger when the finger is detected in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface; display the first graphical user interface element on the I/O surface and below the finger; and detect a proximity gesture performed by the movement of the finger above the first displayed graphical user interface element.