Saturday, March 20, 2010

Extending 2D Object Arrangement with Pressure-Sensitive Layering Cues

Comment on Jacob's blog

Layers are a very important tool in many graphic design applications. In this paper Philip Davidson and Jefferson Han look for a new way to help users reorder layers and makes use of a multi touch display. The user lifts an image or layer by resting their finger lightly on it. The layer also becomes slightly lightly in color to provide the user with visual feedback. In this mode, the user can move the layer above existing ones. When the user applies more pressure to the object, it darkens to give the impression of being pushed down. When doing this, the user can slide the layer underneath existing layers.


The user can also press on edges of layers. This lowers the edge pushed and raises the opposite edge. This way the layer can be slid on top of or underneath other layers. The user can also push down on some layers while lifting others in order to rearrange them. If the user wants to place a layer between stacked layers, the user can use their finger to peel the layers back as though it were a stack of papers and place the new layer in the middle of the stack.

I would love to try this out. I use layers extensively when I am drawing on my computer. I would love to use this to see if it makes reordering the layers any easier. Not that it is difficult now, it could just be faster.

1 comment:

  1. I read this too and it seems incredibly complicated. Layers seem to be a big block toward touch interfaces becoming part of everyday computing.

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