What we did:We conducted a systematic evaluation of lateral thumb-index pinching as an input modality through a controlled experiment comparing various grip spans, counterforces, and directions in a visual targeting task.
What we found:We found that larger grip spans, the presence of counterforce, and left-to-right grip direction significantly enhance accuracy, efficiency, and user experience when using pinching as an input method.
Takeaway:Our research contributes valuable insights for designing future pinchable user interfaces, highlighting the potential for effective use in applications like Mixed Reality and deformable displays.
Abstract
From zooming on smartphones and mid-air gestures to deformable user interfaces, thumb-index pinching grips are used in many interaction techniques. However, there is still a lack of systematic understanding of how the accuracy and efficiency of such grips are affected by various factors such as counterforce, grip span, and grip direction. Therefore, in this paper, we contribute an evaluation (N = 18) of thumb-index pinching performance in a visual targeting task using scales up to 75 items. As part of our findings, we conclude that the pinching interaction between the thumb and index finger is a promising modality also for one-dimensional input on higher scales. Furthermore, we discuss and outline implications for future user interfaces that benefit from pinching as an additional and complementary interaction modality.
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