10/GUI interface looks to redefine the touch-enabled desktop
By Donald Melanson 
posted October 15th 2009 2:58PM
posted October 15th 2009 2:58PM
Redefining the way we interact with computers is a pretty ambitious task as far as things go, but that's just what R. Clayton Miller is looking to do with his so-called 10/GUI project, and he may just be onto something. Miller begins with the notion that the traditional mouse-based interface lacks the "interaction bandwidth" afforded by multitouch interfaces, and that touch-enabled desktops (or laptops) are inherently problematic since they can't be used for prolonged periods of time -- even a flat surface will do a number on your neck if you use it all day. To solve that problem, Miller proposes separating the touch surface from the display and placing it below the keyboard in the form of a large, hybrid capacative / resistive touch panel. That's just the beginning, however, and Miller has also devised a whole new interface that makes use of all your fingers, and a new linear means of displaying windows that strikes a balance ease of use and the ability to manage numerous applications. Of course, there are some drawbacks -- you'd still likely pull out a mouse for Photoshop or a marathon Left 4 Dead session -- but we'd certainly be curious to see how this would play out in practice. Head on past the break for a full video overview.
[Via Slashdot]
[Via Slashdot]
Not for typing. It's for navigating around the desktop. Not a keyboard replacement, it's (ideally) a mouse replacement. Your keyboard only takes digital input. This will be analog, which is better for things like zooming.
keyboard is great for text entry. but not so great for fluidly and intuitively navigating a GUI.
I can copy-paste, undo-redo, alt-f4, windows-D and windows tab so fast, windows left, down, right and up... man i love windows 7, i think it's (for now) the perfect balance between touch and keyboard enabled.
What if there were some sort of video monitor for your hands so that your hands locations would actually show up on the screen (but transparent a la boxing video games)... just a thought.
Anyone else think that there's a resemblance to the Zune interface?
I don't think a steep learning curve is a big obstacle with this UI. There is a long history of people adopting machines with steep learning curves as long as it's a step forward.
Imagine explaining the keyboard interface to someone that has never used it. "So there are over a 100 keys in staggered rows, and you will eventually learn to hit them with all fingers without looking, it will take years to be proficient..."
or driving a manual car: "You have to let out a pedal with one foot while at the same time pressing on another pedal with your other foot, while turning a wheel with your left hand and sliding a knob into a proper gate with your right hand while looking at the road, you will eventually learn to do this without thinking..."
This user interface seems simple in comparison.
i'll take 2
How many hands do you have??
It's a big ass trackpad, with more figure recognition for the hardware part. And it would kind of suck if for people who are missing a couple of figures. I'm not, but I'm just saying it would.
What if the user is missing fingers? They will be extremely limited with what they can do.
I don't like the huge pad below the keyboard. I can deal with that configuration... on a laptop. My wrists go there, so it would seem like it would zoom in and out if my wrists adjust while typing. Maybe split it into 2 smaller pads (one for each hand) on both sides of the keyboard. Would make transitioning to the keyboard easier.
Cool vid tho! I like where it's going, although I would miss the hardware, and the "clicky" feedback. Kind of like using some software keyboard instead of actual keys.
I don't see why this is easier than traditional window management.. If you have 25 applications open and need to switch between them, you would need to zoom out so you can see all 25. On your traditional Windows taskbar, you can just click between apps, and Win7 improves on that by grouping them while not forcing you to click to open the group..
While (in a more reasonable example), being able to slide between 2 or 3 open apps seems slick, on Windows, you can just alt+tab between two, or directly click on the taskbar..
I thought the beginning of the video was terrific, I agree there is a problem with window management today, but I don't see how 10/GUI is the solution. If my opinion is worth anything, I think voice control would help, and gestures would help too (using the above mentioned pad, you memorize a certain hand/finger gesture to always pop back to your window) Woops, should've patented that idea :)
I was very skeptical...........
Apple, buy these guys, NOW.
That OS looks so dope. I guess that's why Tony Stark invented it.
I agree with the numerous points above calling for haptic feedback. Also in my opinion the bottom touch panel should have some form of video output even if it is rudimentary (not very high res). I just think that would be useful for looking down at a glance and finding were your hands are at. Overall i'd spend some cash on this just for the keyboard/touch panel, the specialized OS just seems like bonus. Finally if this thing gained support for some of the mainstream OS's (Windows, Mac OS, Linux) then i think it would take off faster than a dog from the vacuum cleaner.
I like how they rip-off Apple on the multi-touch glidepad and give them zero credit for th GUI. While Microsoft was going for multi-touch displays Apple smartly made the multi-touch glidepad. I wouldn't buy this product as I need a real keyboard in front of my hands.
Then I guess you like how Apple gives no credits to Jeff Han for his multi-touch work, too.
I like the idea of a separate touch surface area from the screen, but I think the developers sold themselves short with the example they chose. Windows 7 taskbar already organizes all open apps into a horizontal row that allows easy access. Who leaves a clutter of unmaximized windows on their desktop these days? I'm not a Mac user, but I suspect that switching between open apps is no big deal there either.
Here's hoping they put out another concept video with a more exciting and ambitious application.
It is slick, but feels like a solution without a problem. WIndows button + D gets me out of the window problem in Windows...four finger swipe on my MacBook does the same.
Plus, unless your in first class, that keyboard/touch panel layout would be impossible on an airplane--the deeper the base of your laptop, the less space available to open your screen to.
Awesome work,i like to see some support for natal/ps3 wand working along side it and Voice commands File Open *filename* and working multi display with your mobile,pc etc, etc! then we will have full minority report all i can say i think ( Ilove the mouse too) But i think time come to evolve! interesting times guys Interesting times! lets hope the credit crush does not delay it too much hey!
MS will implement this, but due to patent restrictions you'll need to use your feet and toes rather than your fingers.
I agree with the points simply putting multi-touch on a monitor or a tablet like surface wouldn't work too well for desktops... however two things I have issue with.
The interface they are describing probably wouldn't work so well with multi-monitor setups. One thing I've noticed about the mouse is that it also allows you to move the pointer across a lot of space without really moving the mouse much. Can this system accomplish this task?
The other thing is the touch screen would probably be best out to the side instead as pictured in the video below the keyboard. Could you imagine your palms, parts of your arms or whatever hovering over a touch sensitive device. Even on some lap tops I've had issues typing and accidentally activating the touch pad.