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Liquids, Smoke, and Soap Bubbles - Reflections on Materials for Ephemeral User Interfaces

Axel Sylvester (University of Hamburg)
Tanja Doering (University of Duisburg-Essen)
Albrecht Schmidt (University of Duisburg-Essen)

Abstract

In this paper we inquire material qualities for tangible user interfaces and introduce the term ephemeral user interface. We present an example user interface that employs fragile soap bubbles for human-computer interaction: the user has to move or blow bubbles over a dark liquid surface in order to interact with a computer system. Our installation uses liquid, smoke, and soap bubbles as unusual and transient materials, which demand a very cautious and calm handling, and furthermore elude the complete control of users, as the bubbles inevitably burst after a short while. Thus, the soap bubble interface provokes thoughts about durability, control, and materiality of tangible user interfaces.

Document

http://tei-conf.org/10/uploads/Program/p269.pdf

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The Soap Bubble Interface

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