What is tangible user interaction? Is closely linked to direct manipulation, but not the same. This concept used in Human Computer Interaction believes in using metaphors for processes in order to make things easier to understand. A way to describe it in a little bit more abstract way is physical representation of digital information (one is able to manipulate the digital info directly without the use of mice, keyboards, sensor gloves etc.)
Check out this example:
One of the believers in TI is Hiroshi Ishii .
This is a parody of Microsoft’s Surface (that is the real image, just the sound was changed. Gates announced the production, but it’s not sold for the masses yet. Probably will never be 
, people are already getting bored with the iPhone.
Note that touch tables do not represent TI and notice the real example: the multitouch interactive table:
January 29th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
The touch interface landscape nowadays is formed out of countless prototypes each more “sensitive” and innovative than the next one. Touch interfaces will never take the place of the mighty keyboard and the fearless mouse from the point of view of productivity, so all that remains is exploring the hobby/creative side… which is nice, but feels *somehow* pointless
If someone wants to design something that will rock the human-machine interaction world he should take into consideration the ergonomics involved in spending 8 hours in front of the computer and not just mindless fun activities (Wii).
p.s. Microsoft Surface is really just another multi touch screen – I put my CC on the table and it automagically reads the info and bills me? based on what invisible card reading technology?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Cosmin thought it was as well rather useless, but I am not so convinced.
You have a point with ergonomics there, but fun is very important for a healthy business… ahem society.
Yes, surface is just multi touch and wii is just another type of device (like a mouse or joystick) so it doesn’t fit into the TI definition.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
am avut ieri un curs despre asta si a fost destul de fascinant, desi mi se pare cam un moft deocamdata, adica nu s-au facut mari progrese in domeniu. Voi cerceta si va voi povesti mai multe
January 30th, 2009 at 11:10 am
In primul rand mi se pare foarte tari ca faceti cursuri despre asta! Dar trecand peste..
De acord ca in afara de factorul fun sau noutate, pare destul de nefolositoare, dar cel putin cum o vad eu, tastatura si mouse-ul vor fi inlocuite la un moment dat cu ceva mai simplu si mai natural si fara experimente de genul asta (trial & error) nu putem ajunge la inlocuitorul lor.
Sunt sigur ca la un moment dat ne vom uita la filmulelte astea la fel cum ne uitam acum la pozele cu primul mouse din lemn