In search of metaphors for tangible user intefaces

Abstract

In this paper, we seek to identify interesting sources of metaphor for tangible user interfaces (TUIs). We begin by doing a systematic exploration of the design space that results from constructing simple TUI devices. From this we argue that a new set of metaphors are needed for this domain. From usability tests of simple tangible devices, we suggest that magic and paranormal phenomena could be a fruitful place to look for new metaphors for TUIs.