Design and Evaluation of Screen-less Deformable User Interfaces

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This proposal concerns research in the area of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Upcoming flexible technology will enable users to squeeze a smartphone to answer a call, or bend a corner to change an eBook's page. Until now, researchers have focused on creating deformable devices, using flexible displays or simulating them using projection, to evaluate deformations as interaction techniques. We propose to study deformation input when it is not combined with a screen, as there is evidence to support the tactile nature of deformable devices alone is a worthwhile asset. ******In the proposed research program, we will design and fabricate specialized deformable devices, and develop software applications to analyze and use for deformable input. We will evaluate prototypes and applications to assess how bend and other deformation gestures can be used as suitable human computer interaction input techniques where no display is available on the device. We will perform comparisons between devices that include and omit a display, and assess how our devices can work in conjunction with current mobile devices. We will apply screen-less deformation to two novel domains: accessibility and creativity, to determine if deformables are best suited for specialized applications. In terms of accessibility, we will focus on visual impaired users, investigating how blind and low vision users can interact with deformable devices. The tangible nature of these interactions, such as bending an easily locatable and distinguishable part of a smartphone such as a corner, could enable visually impaired users to better control their devices compared to the use of a touch screen. For the creative domain, we will concentrate on improving tools for digital artists with a flexible stylus. This pen could provide them with a richer and more precise set of inputs to control the state of their paintbrush on the screen, for instance. ******This research program will uncover knowledge regarding the use of novel inputs. New technology and devices developed may benefit millions of visually impaired users in improving how they interact with their devices. The research can also modernize the tools used by digital artists everywhere. This research will be valuable to companies and institutions within Canada and abroad, by providing them with knowledge about emerging technologies, novel product development, and highly skilled workers in HCI, software development and hardware prototyping, which will stimulate growth in an economic sector where Canada is already maintaining a competitive advantage. **