shiftIO: Reconfigurable Tactile Elements for Dynamic Affordances and Mobile Interaction
Abstract
Currently, virtual (i.e. touchscreen) controls are dynamic, but
lack the advantageous tactile feedback of physical controls.
Similarly, devices may also have dedicated physical controls,
but they lack the flexibility to adapt for different contexts and
applications. On mobile and wearable devices in particular,
space constraints further limit our input and output capabilities.
We propose utilizing reconfigurable tactile elements around
the edge of a mobile device to enable dynamic physical controls
and feedback. These tactile elements can be used for
physical touch input and output, and can reposition according
to the application both around the edge of and hidden within
the device. We present shiftIO, two implementations of such
a system which actuate physical controls around the edge of
a mobile device using magnetic locomotion. One version utilizes
PCB-manufactured electromagnetic coils, and the other
uses switchable permanent magnets. We perform a technical
evaluation of these prototypes and compare their advantages in
various applications. Finally, we demonstrate several mobile
applications which leverage shiftIO to create novel mobile
interactions.
lack the advantageous tactile feedback of physical controls.
Similarly, devices may also have dedicated physical controls,
but they lack the flexibility to adapt for different contexts and
applications. On mobile and wearable devices in particular,
space constraints further limit our input and output capabilities.
We propose utilizing reconfigurable tactile elements around
the edge of a mobile device to enable dynamic physical controls
and feedback. These tactile elements can be used for
physical touch input and output, and can reposition according
to the application both around the edge of and hidden within
the device. We present shiftIO, two implementations of such
a system which actuate physical controls around the edge of
a mobile device using magnetic locomotion. One version utilizes
PCB-manufactured electromagnetic coils, and the other
uses switchable permanent magnets. We perform a technical
evaluation of these prototypes and compare their advantages in
various applications. Finally, we demonstrate several mobile
applications which leverage shiftIO to create novel mobile
interactions.
Research Areas
