Multi-touch Human-Computer Interfaces
Technology
The multi-touch wall is always a big hit at trade shows and other events. We demonstrate our device designed and manufactured by Perceptive Pixel - the company founded by industry luminary Jeff Han. Multi-touch-based computing may revolutionize the way humans interact with computers. The mouse certainly replaced the command line. Could the finger replace the mouse?
Whether we realize it or not, we have all been trained to use a mouse. We know how to point. We know how to click. We even know the difference between left-click and right-click. In fact, we can probably recall instances where a software application's user interface did not meet our expectations. "Expectations" is a key word here. Based on our regular use of a mouse, we expect a certain way of working. When we point and click and don't get what we anticipated, we immediately conclude that something is wrong with the software.
With regard to operating systems like Microsoft Windows, standards exist. These help guide application developers in providing a consistent user experience across applications even though the applications may be developed independently. For multi-touch interfaces, no such standards exist. A double-click of a mouse generally opens an object. What does it mean to touch the screen with two fingers? How about three? These are questions that need answering, and your feedback will help Autodesk Labs figure that out.
Autodesk is a design software company. So whereas other companies may help define standards for multi-touch operation that are generic, we want to be involved to make sure CAD is not left behind. Historically CAD has placed greater demand on computing resources than other applications. We want to work with our customers to arrive at what their consider their multi-touch expectations.
The Perceptive Pixel Multi-Touch Wall is leading the way in the advancement of multi-touch devices. In the not-so-distant future it is quite possible that other form factors, e.g. surface computing, may provide multi-touch capabilities at different price points in a vast array of sizes. For example, the Apple phone is two-finger touch-enabled today at a reasonable cost, and we hope to see design-capable sized displays in the not too distant future. When that day comes, Autodesk software will be ready.
