The design of natural interaction

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of the relationship between humans and technology-enhanced spaces and physical objects (later defined as artifacts). The class of cases here analyzed includes interactive digital signage, information kiosks, home media centers and interactive spaces whose purpose is the communication of a meaning. In this domain, complex interfaces are not needed, as common people interaction with information, content and media is in most cases extremely simple. The topic of specialized interfaces for expert users is not addressed here; the focus is on interfaces for the general public, whose main purpose is the basic fruition of digital information, although such information can be large and complex in its organization. This paper is centered on the need of conceiving computer sensing and information presentation as different aspects of the same interaction design problem, instead of separate research entities.