Interacting with mouse and touch devices on horizontal interactive displays

Abstract

This article presents and discusses findings on collaborative interaction on horizontal interactive displays using touch and mouse input devices. Tabletop interaction environments are suitable for small computer-supported group collaboration, and usually allow for concurrent interaction by multiple users. The appropriate support of interaction on horizontal interactive displays is crucial to the successful design and adoption of digital tabletops for work, education and entertainment. A study was conducted investigating interactions of users on tabletops operating with mouse and touch input devices, and shedding light on the differences and commonalities from different perspectives. This laboratory study was designed to allow for as much ecological validity and to provide good experimental control at the same time. The study builds on the standard digital puzzle, or mosaic task, by adding a hidden or implicit task, for the participants to discover and work on. Without solving the hidden task, participants were not able to solve the primary puzzle task. This approach was chosen to trigger spontaneous and natural collaborative work amongst the participants in the lab setting. The analysis of the interaction is based on system-logged interaction data, questionnaires and observations focused on the participants’ selection and usage of input devices during the task execution. The study revealed, amongst others, that participants did not change their initially preferred input device even when they became more engaged in coordination and communication with their partner during the course of the study.