The basic design of an interactive surface is very simple. There is a flat panel that can be mounted on the wall and is capable of detecting touch. Currently, there are a number of different technologies that are commercially available, and they provide touch-sensitive surfaces ranging in size from 17” to billboard-size. They differ in the way the image is generated (front or rear projection, plasma screens, flat panel LCD), and in the technology used for touch detection (capacitive, resistive, Surface Acoustic Wave, optical). However, the common element is that the image is invariably computer-generated and the interactions with the interactive white boards surface are software driven. This opens up the possibility for the development of novel and innovative uses of these hardware elements, which are traditionally used for dull but efficient business communication. Here are some suggestions for the direction of development of more pedagogically oriented interaction design.
Interaction design for an interaction surface follows two principles: first, any presented information has to be manipulable by the user, and second, whenever possible, the properties of the data displayed should also have a tangible multi-sensory component. The main interactions with the content occur by active contact with an capacitive interactive whiteboard surface as a result of body, arm or hand movements.
The potential of the digital technology to make the abstract information not only visible, as, for example, in scientific visualizations of mathematical, astronomical or infrared interactive whiteboard biological information, but also manipulable makes it an extremely powerful educational tool. It is in this manner that the digital medium will be used for the proposed installation. The basic principle is to make access to specific information, like function of an object, accessible through simple exploratory gestures.
There are many possible pedagogical uses of an environment that allows an individual to interact directly and physically, with visually presented information. There are a couple of digital tools that have been already developed as an illustration of the educational potential of touch screen-based manipulations on an interactive surface.