The design of tools for sketching sensor-based interaction.

ABSTRACTIn this paper we briefly motivate, present, and give an initial evaluation of DUL Radio, a small wireless toolkit for sketching sensor-based interaction. In the motivation, we state the purpose of this specific platform, which aims to balance ease-of-use (learning, setup, initialization), size, speed, flexibility and cost, aimed at wearable and ultra-mobile prototyping where fast reaction is needed (e.g. in controlling sound), and we mention general issues facing this category of embodied interaction design tools. We briefly present the platform, both regarding hardware and software. In the evaluation, we present our experiences with the platform both in design projects and in teaching. We conclude that DUL Radio was the preferred platform for sketching sensor-based interaction compared to other solutions, and that it does seem to be a relatively easy-to-use tool, but that there are many ways to improve it. Target users include designers, students, artists etc. with minimal programming and hardware skills, but this paper addresses the issues with designing the tools, which includes some technical considerations.