Prototyping retractable string-based interaction techniques for dual-display mobile devices

Abstract

Accessing information on mobile and wearable devices often requires the user's visual attention, and the precise operation of virtual or physical widgets. However, these interactions may sometimes be too time-consuming and socially inappropriate. To address this, we introduce a novel input/output device that is based on the manipulation of a retractable string in a polar coordinate frame. Depending on how the user pulls the string from its enclosure - to a particular length, at a particular angle - various system features may be directly accessed. Furthermore, we present our concept for a ID pixel array, embedded in the string that may be used as a secondary ID display. Since it is possible to unwind the display itself and trigger functionality with a single pull, information may be accessed and presented quickly, and perceived at a glance. We present scenarios for how the string input/output device may be used in conjunction with the mobile device's primary 2D display and describe our augmented reality proof-of-concept prototype. Copyright 2006 ACM.