Tangible progress

Abstract

We developed four widely different interfaces for users of Somewire, a prototype audio-only media space. We informally studied users experiences with the two screen- based interfaces. We prototyped a non-screen-based interface as an example of a novel tangible interface for a communication system. We explored the conflict between privacy and simplicity of representation, and identified two unresolved topics: the role of audio quality and the prospects for scsiling audio spaces beyond a single Workgroup. Finally, we formulated a set of design guidelines for control and representation in audio spaces, as follows: GUIs are not well-suited to audio spaces, users do not require control over localization or other audio attributes, and awareness of other users presence is desirable.