Authors: Shen Kai Tang and Wen Yen Tang
Venue: CHI 2010
Summary
This paper introduces a new input device termed Adaptive Mouse, which is similar to the existing device from which it got its name. The new device is intended to have a flexible shape that fits each user's hand differently, unlike existing models. The most interesting aspect of the Adaptive Mouse however, is that the device is initially circular, and users can hold it anyway they like. As the device is composed of eight subsections, clicking on any one of those locations will register a different click. Through the use of a hall-sensor, a magnet and a special algorithm, the device determines the location of the hand placed on it and activates appropriate regions to correspond to right and left clicks.
Discussion
I don't personally think this device has much application, or a future really beyond someone's pet project. While it is interesting to be able to hold the device any way you like, this is really more of a novelty and does little to enhance the user's interaction with a given interface. I feel the real innovations in HCI will come from voice and touch activated interfaces. The authors in this article are focusing on a device that is already extremely well established and requires virtually no improvement.
I don't personally think this device has much application, or a future really beyond someone's pet project. While it is interesting to be able to hold the device any way you like, this is really more of a novelty and does little to enhance the user's interaction with a given interface. I feel the real innovations in HCI will come from voice and touch activated interfaces. The authors in this article are focusing on a device that is already extremely well established and requires virtually no improvement.
I agree that this project will most likely never be big enough to replace a normal mouse.
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