Identifying the boundaries of screen edge and screen corner gestures based on thumb and index finger interactions on a small touch screen

Abstract

Due to the increasing complexity and number of additional features now found in smartphones, it is important for smartphone designers to provide users an efficient way to access these features. This study examines the potential of performing gestures that start at the screen corners (rather than the middle of the edges), by drawing the trajectories and identifying the boundaries of screen edge and screen corner gestures based on the thumb and index finger interactions. Eleven participants were required to perform screen edge and screen corner gestures using their thumb with one hand or index finger while holding the device with their other hand. Kernel density estimations were plotted based on interaction method and gesture. Paired t-tests showed that screen corners will not interfere with the commonly used screen edge gestures and could be a viable region for a new set of gestures. A primary contribution of this study is to present a baseline for screen corner gesture design guidelines.