Using water as interface media in VR applications

Human Computer Interface (HCI) has changed throughout the years, and evolved to integrate reference objects and other handy tools to improve interaction. It is now possible to develop tangible interfaces, where all kinds of objects are used: strings, clay models and virtual pens as well natural elements such as water, sand and air. In Virtual Reality applications the use of tangible interfaces and virtual reference allows the user to get involved with the virtual world in a more fluid and explicit way. In this paper we describe how we use water as a HCI and how we turn a water receptacle into a self-explanatory interaction tool. In our experience touching real water has proven to be rather dramatic as a tactile interface since it involves much more than the mere skin contact with the water; the effect is magnified by the temperature and wetness which affect the perception of the user. We have used water as interface for several applications and in this paper we will also discuss our results.