Conference
Enhancing Physicality in Touch Interaction with Programmable Friction
Proc. ACM CHI ’11 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Vancouver, Canada, May 2011, pp. 2481-2490.
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external linkAbstract
Touch interactions have refreshed some of the 'glowing enthusiasm' of thirty years ago for direct manipulation interfaces. However, today's touch technologies, whose interactions are supported by graphics, sounds or crude clicks, have a tactile sameness and gaps in usability. We use a Large Area Tactile Pattern Display (LATPaD) to examine design possibilities and outcomes when touch interactions are enhanced with variable surface friction. In a series of four studies, we first confirm that variable friction gives significant performance advantages in low-level targeting activities. We then explore the design space of variable friction interface controls and assess user reactions. Most importantly, we demonstrate that variable friction can have a positive impact on the enjoyment, engagement and sense of realism experienced by users of touch interfaces.
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News Coverage
- Programmable friction makes touchscreens feel sticky, NewScientist (12-5-2011)
- TPad: a touchscreen with feeling, Vancouver Observer (20-5-2011)
- Future Touchscreens Might Have Adjustable 'Stickiness' Factor, Gizmodo (20-5-2011)
- A Touch Screen that Plays Sticky, MIT Technology Review (10-5-2011)
- A Sticky Touch Screen Lets You Feel the Buttons, Slashdot (10-5-2011)
- Friction Control Makes Touchscreens Sticky or Slippery, PC World (10-5-2011)
- Friction Control Makes Touchscreens Sticky or Slippery, IDG News (10-5-2011)
- TPad: a touchscreen with feeling, Vancouver Observer (20-5-2011)