Investigating physical interaction complexities in embedded systems

Abstract

Embedded systems are proliferating in vast application areas of life with ever increasing multifarious functionalities. Due to the focus of research and development on growing software issues, the naturalness of physical interface remains neglected resulting in interaction complexities for the user. In this work we investigate the complexities of three embedded systems including; washing machine; camera; and MP3 player according to the principles of physicality. By assigning quantitative values to each physicality principle, it is evident from the analysis that inverse action and compliant interaction are two powerful principles that if applied properly augment the natural interaction with the device. As the ubiquitous computing is knocking at the market doors, it is significant enough for the embedded system developers to incorporate the natural interaction capabilities in every day embedded devices by studying, discovering, and reducing the complexities of physical user interfaces.