Visceral Interaction

Masitah Ghazali and Alan Dix
Computing Department, Infolab21 Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
< Masitah on the Web > < Alan on the Web >

Paper at HCI 2005, September 2005, Edinburgh, UK.

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Abstract

This paper introduces visceral interaction, which we believe complements the vision of creating more natural and intuitive interfaces. We re-emphasise the importance of the detailed physical aspects of devices and the way in which these can recruit our natural human abilities. We describe a study that highlights this in physical manipulation so long as devices possess key features of physicality - in this case the ?natural inverse? property. The device, a Cubicle, controls a media application, but the mapping between the device and its effects were deliberately manipulated. Despite a lack of understanding of the mappings, the participants were able to react appropriately to feedback and successfully complete tasks, and moreover enjoy the experience. We attribute this to the fact that the device preserves key properties of visceral interaction that allow a momentary tacit mapping. We hope that this understanding of physical interaction will help improve future human-centred interaction

Keywords: Physical interaction, tangible interfaces, user experience, mapping, calibration, fun, playful interaction

Full reference:
M. Ghazali and A. Dix (2005). Visceral Interaction Proceedings of HCI'2005. pp 68-72
http://www.hcibook.com/alan/papers/
visceral-2005/
more:
Download full paper (PDF, 94K)
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References

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FIGURE 1. The Cubicle used in the study


FIGURE 2. A user exploring the cube interface by interacting with a large screen


http://www.hcibook.com/alan/papers/visceral-2005/

Alan Dix 26/6/2005