A taxonomy for and analysis of tangible interfaces
From ThesisWiki
Author
Kenneth P. Fishkin
Overview
This paper presents a taxonomy of TUIs based on a 2D matrix with the axises of metaphor and embodiment. Each of these is further classified into discrete points on a continuum to create the matrix. A key point the author is making is that tangibility is a "multi-valued attribute" and he is attempting to move beyond the "I know it when I see it" approach to TUIs. There is discussion of how calm computing can fit within the TUI framework, the limitations of metaphor, and a comparison to other TUI frameworks. The author shows how two other taxonomy/frameworks are able to be mapped within his framework, positioning his as a more generally useful tool that lends itself "naturally to discussion of design principles and trade-offs".
