E-Thesis 392 views 151 downloads
ReConstructibles: Physically Reconfigurable Shape-Changing Interfaces / ANDREW PULSIPHER
Swansea University Author: ANDREW PULSIPHER
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.63177
Abstract
Most widely used devices have a single display which cannot adapt to specific contentor applications. A "cell-composed" device is an alternative to static, flat displays. Itdecomposes the display into a system of multiple smaller touchscreen devices. Thefundamental strength of this interfa...
Published: |
Swansea, Wales, UK
2023
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Institution: | Swansea University |
Degree level: | Master of Research |
Degree name: | MRes |
Supervisor: | Robinson, S. |
URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa63177 |
Abstract: |
Most widely used devices have a single display which cannot adapt to specific contentor applications. A "cell-composed" device is an alternative to static, flat displays. Itdecomposes the display into a system of multiple smaller touchscreen devices. Thefundamental strength of this interface is it can be subdivided into smaller devices andcells can be rearranged into new devices. We propose the term reconstructibility todescribe cell-composed devices. This term emphasizes the ability of the user to construct,deconstruct, and reconstruct devices from cells.We further introduce the ReConstructibles research vision for cell-composed devices.Any ReConstructible device can be subdivided into multiple devices or reconfiguredto provide the user with new functionality.This project contributes a deeper understanding of the user experience with ReConstructibles through several user studies. First, we conducted design workshops, which gaveinsights into potential application domains for ReConstructibles and how device size affectsthe user experience. Second, we ran a week-long deployment with low-fidelity prototypes,which increased our understanding of user perspectives on cell-composed devices and narrowed our search for application domains. After several months developing high-fidelityprototypes, we conducted a second deployment study, this time with functioning devices.Deployment studies are extremely rare in SCI research, but offer invaluable insights. In thisfinal study, participants reported receiving real benefits to their workflow and productivity.This is evidence supporting several potential application domains for ReConstructibles.We present ReConstructibles as a hardware and software toolkit for research in cell-composed devices. We provide detailed documentation, 3D model files, code listings, andinstructions for other researchers to replicate and expand upon our work. |
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Keywords: |
HCI, shape-changing interface, modular, reconfigurable, touchscreen |
College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |