F5-1 Effects of display curvature and hand length on smart watch touch interaction

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of display curvature on smart watch touch interaction. A total of 36 younger individuals with the mean (SD) age of 22.2 (3.3) yrs were divided into three groups according to the length of their dominant hand. Each hand-size group was comprised of 12 individuals. Two smart watches were used, one with a flat display and the other with a curved display. To evaluate touch interaction, two types of touch gesture (short and long touches) and four types of swiping gesture (upward, downward, leftward, and rightward swiping) were considered. The flat display smart watch provided better touch and swiping feels during upward and downward swiping, higher swiping satisfaction with respect to touch, swiping, and gap feels, and higher overall touch interaction satisfaction with respect to touch and swiping gestures. The curved display smart watch provided more errors during leftward and downward swiping. Touch and swiping feels during upward and downward swiping were more influenced by display curvature. In the case of the smart watch display that is curved along the wrist, the index finger appeared to lose contact with the touch screen earlier than intended during upward and downward swiping.