Filed under: Technology
The most common human-computer interaction technique used is the mouse: a pointing device used to detect two-dimentional motion. However, are we truely benefiting from these traditional means of user interfaces, or are we limiting the efficiency and effeciveness of usablity.
The introduction of multi-touch technology has profoundly revolutionized traditional user interfaces. It provides a truley rich interactive experience by recognizing and utilizing all finger movements and gestures. Some features include a Zooming User Interface, a technique which uses only two fingers, and also supporting more than one user at the time. Multi-Touch uses a technique called Frustrated Internal Total Reflection or FITR which offers a cost effective way of producing the technology.
Although Bill Buxton was one of the first researchers that begun exploring the potential uses of infared touch screens, it was Jeffersen Hans’ company Perspective Pixel that found a more affordable way to manufacture it into a graphical display surface for users. During one of Hans’ talks in the TED conference in Monterey California, he argues that “interfaces should be conforming to us” and not the other way around. During his demonstration at TED, Hans manipulates a simulation of a lava lamp, sorts out photos by arranging and enlarging them, and searches through three dimentional maps with sheer ease of finger gesturing.
Pespective Pixel isn’t the only company that has developed multi touch products. Microsoft intoduced the Microsoft Surface which is a 30 inch table top display that allows a user to interact with information using touch. The company Apple designed the iPhone which is a mobile phone that features virtual displays using multi touch, a built in camera, internet access and iPod. As for the gamers, they can enjoy the multi touch adaptation of the Rubik cube called the Fenix Cube developed by Andrew Fentem, a researcher in interface development. Also,the popular game console Wii doesn’t use multi touch technology per se but still functions on the gesturing of body movements.
The science fiction and psychological novel A Scanner Darkly published in 1977 depicts drug culture in a near dystopian future and the extremities of humanity. The success of the novel attracted cult-like followers hailing the book as a sort of masterpiece. In 2006, a modern adaptation of the novel was created starring Keanu Reeves who portrays Arctor, an undercover cop posing as a druguser to infiltrate the drug supply chain. The movie was digitally animated using a technique called interpolated rotoscope in which animators trace over live-action film movement, frame by frame. The animated “comic-like” adaptation of the novel was a ingenious approach to convey not only the over all surrealism of the novel, but also giving reference to sort of underground subculture. Not only do I recommend watching the movie, but I recommend visiting the website dedicated to the artists who animated the film because the site provides thier biographical information, and, links to thier websites. www.ascannerdarklyartists.com/
