Touch versus In-Air Gestures

Technologies inhabit an ecological niche, in that each represents a set of potential uses and markets. Just as those who failed to understand the true utility of touch input predicted the death of the mouse and keyboard, new technologies, such as Xbox Kinect and the Sony EyeToy, that offer touchless gesture input might incorrectly be believed to be a replacement for touch and touch gestures. Certainly, devices that enable users to gesture in air open a seemingly all-new world of interaction potential. To the well-trained expert, however, it can be seen that in-air interactions share a great deal with those based on touch. This difference is easily expressed and understood using tools presented in this book, and will enable the quick and easy transfer of design knowledge from touch-based to touchless gesturing.