Hands-only scenarios and video action walls

Abstract

In our research on tangible user interaction we focus on the design of products that are dedicated to a particular user, task and context. In doing so, we are interested in strengthening the actions side of tangible interaction. Currently, the actions required by electronic products are limited to pushing, sliding and rotating. Yet humans are capable of far more complex actions: Human dexterity is highly refined. This focus on actions requires a reconsideration of the design process. In this paper we propose two design methods that potentially boost the focus on skilled actions in the design of tangible user interaction: The Hands-Only Scenario is a 'close-up version' of the dramatised use scenario. It helps focus effort on what we imagine the hands of the users doing. The Video Action Wall is a technique of 'live post-its' on a (projected) computer screen. Little snippets of action videos running simultaneously help designers understand user actions by the qualities they represent.