Dasher - a data entry interface using continuous gestures and language models

Existing devices for communicating information to computers are bulky, slow to use, or unreliable. Dasher is a new interface incorporating language modelling and driven by continuous two-dimensional gestures, e.g. a mouse, touchscreen, or eye-tracker. Tests have shown that this device can be used to enter text at a rate of up to 34 words per minute, compared with typical ten-finger keyboard typing of 40–60 words per minute. Although the interface is slower than a conventional keyboard, it is small and simple, and could be used on personal data assistants and by motion–impaired computer users.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2000
• Where: UIST
• Authors: David J. Ward, Alan F. Blackwell, David J. C. MacKay
• Keywords: Continuous Two-dimensional Gestures, Interface Incorporating Language, Software Engineering, Typical Ten-finger Keyboard, UIST 2000