Usable Gestures For Mobile Interfaces

Synopsis

This paper explores the social acceptability of gestures used to operate gesture-based mobile interfaces. It examines users' acceptability and comfort levels when performing certain gestures in different environments.

Strengths

The study considered a large number of gestures from shaking the device to a nose tap. What I liked about the study was that it wasn't limited to gestures with the device; it also included body gestures.

The research shows that appearance of a gesture influences acceptability of the gesture more than the energy required to perform it. The authors claim, "High-energy gestures can be highly acceptable, while low energy gestures can be distinctly unacceptable."

The researchers observed differences between the first and second trials. They recommended completing at least two trials before making an evaluation of social acceptability. This is because users tend to develop preferences and change their acceptance rates after multiple trials.

The study was detailed and well conducted. It also included interviews of users for anecdotal feedback.

Weaknesses

Some of the results seemed fairly obvious. For example, "Gestures that required the participant to perform large or noticeable actions were the most commonly disliked gestures." But overall, the study was interesting and enjoyable to read.