the tangible user interface (TUI) is an attempt to give physical form to digital information, making bits directly manipulable and perceptible by people. the goal of TUI research and design is to build the next generation of interfaces that go beyond the current and dominant GUI paradigm. this course explored the design space of TUIs, a new form of HCI which focuses on the physical embodiment of computational media.
tangible interfaces were designed to make bits accessible through augmented physical surfaces (e.g. walls, desktops, ceilings, windows), graspable objects (e.g. building blocks, models, instruments) and ambient media (e.g. light, sound, airflow, water-flow, kinetic sculpture) within physical environments.
this was a project course with a design studio atmosphere. We explored different ways of broadening the bandwidth of interaction between people and digital information through tangible interfaces that help people learn, design, and communicate using the full range of human senses and skills. We pursued the interfaces that are not only practical, but also aesthetically engaging.
coursework focued on designing and developing experimental tangible interfaces, applications, underlying technologies, and/or theories using concept sketches, posters, physical mockups, and working prototypes. the posters and physical mockups were the basis of the studio discussion.
