Selection-based mid-air text entry on large displays

Abstract

Most text entry methods require users to have physical devices within reach. In many contexts of use, such as around large displays where users need to move freely, device-dependent methods are ill suited. We explore how selection-based text entry methods may be adapted for use in mid-air. Initially, we analyze the design space for text entry in mid-air, focusing on single-character input with one hand. We propose three text entry methods: H4 Mid-Air (an adaptation of a game controller-based method by MacKenzie et al. [21]), MultiTap (a mid-air variant of a mobile phone text entry method), and Projected QWERTY (a mid-air variant of the QWERTY keyboard). After six sessions, participants reached an average of 13.2 words per minute (WPM) with the most successful method, Projected QWERTY. Users rated this method highest on satisfaction and it resulted in the least physical movement. © 2013 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.