Unconventional human computer interfaces

Abstract

This course focuses on how we can use the potential of the human body in experimental or unconventional interface techniques. It explores the biological or physiological characteristics of the separate parts of the body, from head to toe, and from skin to heart, showing how their sensor (input) and control (output) capabilities can be applied to human computer interfaces. We demonstrate a wide variety of applications that make use proven interfaces as well as extremely experimental systems. Example systems vary from desktop--based to mixed and virtual reality, with applications from areas like art, entertainment, and science.Participants will learn to look beyond the restrictions bound to traditional multimedia systems by discovering and understanding how the human body can deliver great potential for new kinds of applications and systems. Theory on the human body and practical knowledge on (hardware) interfaces is balanced with a good portion of examples to provide a foundation for assessing and using experimental and unconventional interaction.