5 ms·

You're absolutely right: it is a spatial resolution problem. There are only so many distinct targets for a finger on a given surface. Part of the reason we're

by aphyr 15y ago

You're absolutely right: it is a spatial resolution problem. There are only so many distinct targets for a finger on a given surface. Part of the reason we're seeing so many finger-oriented glass interfaces is because it lets us sweep the resolution issue under the rug: capacitative sensing just isn't that good yet. However, I expect that in the next twenty years we'll be able to offer affordable glass with both display and touch resolution equivalent to ink/paper. The stylus could conceivably make a return; it'd be the natural successor to Wacom's devices, and could conceivably play a role in replacing scratch paper. We still have to solve the texture problem, but I doubt that's insurmountable. I'd also be willing to bet on digital whiteboards (or tabletops). They suck currently, but there's no reason we can't have large-format, medium-resolution collaborative writing surfaces. It's an established workflow for corporate meetings, theoretical physics, software planning etc., and has obvious extensions: copy/paste, save-restore, colorize, resize/move, etc.

joebadmo 15y ago
Hm. If we're blue-skying, I'd say the ergonomic issues of a direct manipulation UI are still very bad. I prefer an indirect manipulation paradigm for two reasons: 1. Ergonomics; 2. Abstraction. I think the abstraction that digital media give/force on us is powerful and frees us from physical limitations. Collaborative stuff is less limited in a fully digital medium, because 'people' can occupy the same space and see content from the same perspective. I guess what I'm saying is I'd prefer to see dedicated output device (monitor/glasses/retina laser?) and a dedicated, robust, tactile input device. Like a keyboard. http://blog.byjoemoon.com/post/9325300749/a-different-kind-of-gui http://blog.byjoemoon.com/post/9325300749/a-different-kind-o...
hammock 15y ago
Your vision has me imagining a future where tiny stylus tips are implanted into the tips of our index fingers. Like a little nubbin that increases the pointing precision of our fingers. Not sure I like that vision.
- aphyr 15y ago
  No. I think individual fingers are actually less precise than manipulating an object with the whole hand. For one, it's hard to see what's under your fingertip, whereas a stylus can be very thin. You're able to use more muscles and apply leverage, which reduces jitter and improves precision. Barring anatomical changes, I suspect external implements will be around for specialized work for some time.
isnotchicago 15y ago
And the texture problem is being worked on: http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/26506/ http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/26506/

by aphyr 15y ago

joebadmo 15y ago

Hm. If we're blue-skying, I'd say the ergonomic issues of a direct manipulation UI are still very bad. I prefer an indirect manipulation paradigm for two reasons: 1. Ergonomics; 2. Abstraction. I think the abstraction that digital media give/force on us is powerful and frees us from physical limitations. Collaborative stuff is less limited in a fully digital medium, because 'people' can occupy the same space and see content from the same perspective. I guess what I'm saying is I'd prefer to see dedicated output device (monitor/glasses/retina laser?) and a dedicated, robust, tactile input device. Like a keyboard. http://blog.byjoemoon.com/post/9325300749/a-different-kind-of-gui http://blog.byjoemoon.com/post/9325300749/a-different-kind-o...

hammock 15y ago

Your vision has me imagining a future where tiny stylus tips are implanted into the tips of our index fingers. Like a little nubbin that increases the pointing precision of our fingers. Not sure I like that vision.

aphyr 15y ago
No. I think individual fingers are actually less precise than manipulating an object with the whole hand. For one, it's hard to see what's under your fingertip, whereas a stylus can be very thin. You're able to use more muscles and apply leverage, which reduces jitter and improves precision. Barring anatomical changes, I suspect external implements will be around for specialized work for some time.

isnotchicago 15y ago

And the texture problem is being worked on: http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/26506/ http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/26506/