These tangible user interfaces (TUIs) seem to embody all of the aspects of the next generation of user interfaces. They are moving away from non-reality based interaction styles and trying to incorporate interaction styles that are more real world based. As stated in Dr. Jacob's paper, one of the main goals of these new interfaces is to incorporate more interactions that mimic actions learned from early on in life rather than actions that the average person would not normally do [8].
One such example of this simplification is exemplified in the TUI for developing architectural designs and planning a city. In this interface, the user physically places a miniaturized model of a building or some other object in the location where they think the object should go. If the user doesn't like the position, all one would have to do is physically pick up the object and move it to the desired location. This action of grasping and moving an object from one location to another is a very simple one that is learned at a very young age. It is also easier for many people to remember how to do this then say selecting something with a mouse, going up to a menu, and choosing to delete or move the object in a virtual representation.
The development of TUIs to perform a specific task that incorporates interaction styles that are easier for normal people to perform is now a reality. The next major hurdle in this area is to develop these TUIs so that they are able to perform multiple tasks in a similar way as the GUIs of today.
1. Robert J.K. Jacob. (2004). Reality-based Interaction: Understanding the Next Generation of User Interfaces.
2. http://www.research.ibm.com/journal/sj/393/part3/ullmer.html
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