Triangles: Design of a Physical/Digital Construction Kit

This paper presents the design of a new form of computer interface that uses physical objects to embody digital information, providing a means for interacting with data. Triangles is a physical interface in the form of a construction kit of identical, flat, plastic triangles. The triangles connect together both physically and digitally with magnetic, conducting connectors. When the pieces contact one another, specific connections can trigger specific digital events, allowing a simple but powerful tool for physically interacting with stored digital information. We will briefly describe the system itself, and design steps taken in its development. We highlight the importance of collaborative, iterative, and multi-disciplinarian design for a project of this nature. Keywords Interface design, physical interface, digital connector design, magnetic connector.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1997
• Where: ACMDIS
• Authors: Matthew G. Gorbet, Maggie Orth
• Keywords: ACMDIS 1997, Digital Information, Embody Digital Information, Human Computer Interaction, Physical Interface