Actuated Peripherals as Tangibles in Desktop Interaction

TUIs use everyday physical objects to interact with digital information. With decades of usage, computer peripherals became everyday physical objects. We observed that users manipulate them for other purpose than input and output devices. For example users turn their screen to avoid sun reflections, or move their keyboard ans mouse because they need space on their desk. In this work we see computer peripherals as everyday objects, and use them as TUIs. This paper presents two levels of tangible interaction with desktop computers: the first one is a keyboard with actuated keys. The keys can raise from their initial position, which can be used to represent interaction or extend interaction with keyboards. On the second level we actuated a mouse, a keyboard and a screen so that they can move around on the desk. We present scenarios showing how it extends interaction with a desktop computer setup.