The Critical Role of Tangible User Interfaces in Human Computer Interaction

Abstract

Human-Computer Interaction has evolved from command-line, then to graphical, up to a tangible user interface (TUI). TUIs represent a new paradigm in incorporating physical objects within the digital environment in order to offer users richer, more natural, and intuitive interaction means. This paper reviews the applications of TUIs within cognitive ergonomics, education, and industry, with special emphasis on the potential effects that TUI might have in reducing cognitive load and improving retention and enhancing problem-solving behavior. It covers various case studies on cognitive benefits at TUI, frameworks of distributed and embodied cognition, scalability and accessibility issues, ways to reduce technical obstacles along with users' reluctance, and how TUI is being merged with IoT. The authors also discuss how TUI will see huge improvements in terms of networking and control in intelligent environments. From the above, though TUIs promise great benefits related to the conventional GUIs, full utilization in different applications calls for addressing cost, adaptability, and inclusivity for wide usage.