A framework for robust and flexible handling of inputs with uncertainty

New input technologies (such as touch), recognition based input (such as pen gestures) and next-generation interactions (such as inexact interaction) all hold the promise of more natural user interfaces. However, these techniques all create inputs with some uncertainty. Unfortunately, conventional infrastructure lacks a method for easily handling uncertainty, and as a result input produced by these technologies is often converted to conventional events as quickly as possible, leading to a stunted interactive experience. We present a framework for handling input with uncertainty in a systematic, extensible, and easy to manipulate fashion. To illustrate this framework, we present several traditional interactors which have been extended to provide feedback about uncertain inputs and to allow for the possibility that in the end that input will be judged wrong (or end up going to a different interactor). Our six demonstrations include tiny buttons that are manipulable using touch input, a ...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: UIST
• Authors: Julia Schwarz, Scott E. Hudson, Jennifer Mankoff, Andrew D. Wilson
• Keywords: Input, Possible Target Interactors, Software Engineering, Stunted Interactive Experience, UIST 2010