Selexels: a Conceptual Framework for Pointing Devices with Low Expressiveness

As human–computer interaction extends beyond the desktop, the need emerges for new input devices and interaction techniques. However, many novel interaction techniques must be prototyped in a proof-of-concept form, and can suffer from low expressiveness: their ability to convey the intended meaning is limited. We present a new conceptual framework based on selexels that allows application designers to match the expressiveness of the user interface to that of the input device. This allows the user interface to provide a fluid user experience despite the limitations of the input device. A user study validates the framework, shows that selexel-based pointing tasks can be modeled using Fitts’ Law, and provides insights for structuring evaluations of prototype input devices.