The Magic Bowl: a Tangible User Interface for Configuration of Interactive Environments

This paper describes our work with the design and deployment of a tangible user interface for controlling an interactive workspace. Our intention was to design a user interface that makes it possible to use the room without focusing on the technology behind. We found that the problems are especially at the beginning of a work session when a group enters a totally shut-down workspace and have to spend valuable time starting and configuring every device before they are able to start working. The Magic Bowl makes it possible to quickly start the interactive workspace with a personalized configuration.

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