Framework Case Study: Urp

A Taxonomy for and Analysis of Tangible Interfaces
Kenneth P. Fishkin

Note: I will not redefine the urban planning tool URP as I have already done so in a previous blog post.

When constructing a framework for Urp using Fishkin's taxonomy, we must keep in mind hte various components and interactions involved with using Urp. Below is an example list:

1. the surface (onto which data is projected)
2. building models (including road strips)
3. material wand (glass/brick)
4. wind tool
5. distance measuring tool (reminiscent of dimension tool in Solidworks)
6. clock

We will visualize the intersection of the various embodiment and metaphorical components of Urp according to Fishkin's taxonomy:

Metaphor/ Embodiment	None	Noun	Verb	Noun/Verb	Full
Full		Traffic Strips
Nearby					Light/Shadow Projection
Env.	Material Wand		Wind Generator and Visualization	Ruler Drag and Measure
Distant				Changing Time on Clock Face

Criteria for Placements:

Embodiment

1. Full - In the limit case, the output device is the input device: the state of the device is fully embodied in the device.
The placement of the traffic strips results in the immediate visualization of traffic flow, intersections result in the flow of traffic through intersections, etc.

2. Nearby - In this case, the output takes place near the input object, typically, directly proximate to it.
The projected alteration of light/shadow directly below the architectural figurine is a direct result of the figurine's movement.

3. Environmental -In this case, the output is ‘‘around’’ the user, typically in audio though others are possible-"non-graspable".
The placement of the wind-generator results in the visualization of wind around the architectural figurines.
Implementing the material wand results in the resultant transformation of the projected light/shadow from the figurine.
Using a physical ruler to visualize distance.

4. Distant -In this case, the output is ‘‘over there,’’ on another screen, or even another room.
Changing the time on the physical clock results in the change of the projected light/shadow.



Metaphor

1. None- Sometimes, there is no metaphor employed at all.
Using a wand to alter the building material of figurines.

2. Noun- In some systems, an analogy is made to the physical shape/look/sound of object(s) in the system.
Architectural figurines are direct metaphors of real buildings.
Road strips are direct metaphors for streets.

3. Verb- The analogy is to the act being performed (the ‘‘verb’’), largely independent of the object it is being performed on.
Placement of the wind generator to visualize the wind flow and speed.

4. Noun and verb- Noun and verb are now related, with an appeal to analogy, but the physical and virtual objects still differ.
Physically changing the hour and minute hands on the clock face changes the projection of light/shadow accordingly.
Using the ruler to drag and measure the distances.

5. Full- At this level of metaphor, the user need make no analogy at all—to their mind, the virtual system is the physical system.
The actual visualization of light and shadow on the surface as a result of multiple inputs.