Authors:
Mirjam Augstein
;
Thomas Neumayr
;
Stephan Vrecer
;
Werner Kurschl
and
Josef Altmann
Affiliation:
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Austria
Keyword(s):
Haptic Interaction, Touchless Interaction, Comparative Study.
Abstract:
Traditionally, input devices allowed for at least a certain degree of haptic experience by involving direct physical
contact between user and device. Recently, touchless interaction gained popularity through readily available,
cheap devices like the Leap motion controller or Microsoft Kinect. Usually, these devices support more
than two degrees of freedom and are thus especially suitable for interaction tasks in a three-dimensional space.
However, besides the high potential that lies within touchless input techniques, they also involve new challenges
(e.g., lack of borders and natural haptic guidance). In this paper, we aim at the identification of potentials
and limitations inherent to three different input techniques that involve a varying amount of haptics (i.e., touchful,
touchless and semi-touchless input). We present a study conducted with 25 users that focuses on simple
input tasks in a 3D interaction space and analyzes objective interaction performance metrics (e.g.,
regularity or
time) and subjective User Experience aspects (e.g., dependability or efficiency). It reveals parallels as well as
contrasts between the users’ actual interaction performance and perceived UX (e.g., several metrics suggested
haptic input to outperform touchless input while differences regarding UX were not significant). The results
are intended to inform other researchers when designing interactive environments.
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