Do not disturb: Physical interfaces for parallel peripheral interactions

Abstract

Interaction is, intrinsically, a multi-thread process. Supported by our various senses, our ability to speak, and the structure of our body and mind we can get simultaneously involved in multiple interactions, using different resources for each of them. This paper analyses natural interactions and the impact of using parallel channels in peripheral interactions. Applying a similar approach to human-computer interaction, we present a Tangible User Interface proof of concept to analyze the advantages and weakness of parallel interaction in computer-based systems. To this end, two tangible applications -to control the profile status in social networks and to control an Intelligent Room- are compared to their usual graphical counterparts, presenting the results of a user study and analyzing the implications of its results. © 2011 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.