PROJECT VIENNA
Challenge the conventions of interaction and gesture.
the challenge
Challenge the conventions of the traditional keyboard and mouse as an input device.
the outcome
Envisioned and produced white paper for providing guildines for the potentials of touch and gestures as an alternative and more intuitive input.
TYPE:
Interaction Design White Paper
client:
Microsoft
KEYWORDS:
Gesture Design, Tactility, Intuitive Design, Interaction Design
SIMILAR PROJECTS:
Samsung Plus
Microsoft DesignWell
Microsoft Inclusive Design
“The real significance of tools is in the gesture.”
-André Leroi-Gourhan,Gesture and Speech, 1965
BREAKING HARDWIRED HABITS:
The ubiquitous QWERTY keyboard is used as a classic example of an economic path dependence. This is mostly due to the hardwired habit formation in users. Even though we know now that the rationale behind the keyboard layout is no longer relevant and less efficient than proposed alternatives, it is a gargantuan challenge to bring an alternative to market successfully.
Project Vienna was the first exploration of its kind by Microsoft to rethink the keyboard and mouse as an input device and explored the potentials of touch and gestures as an alternative, and more intuitive input.
During the transition from the standard keyboard and mouse input to touch and gesture input, Microsoft engaged with INVIVIA on a series of design projects. These projects challenged the conventions of the QWERTY keyboard and the mouse that had been integral to Microsoft product and software design.
One of the initial white papers by INVIVIA, the primer on touch and gesture, was the start of this initiative to make the case to Microsoft executives about the potentials of gesture and touch. These findings have significant influence on Microsoft’s design of Surface products used by millions, and its interaction design language.
Austin, Gilbert (1806). Chironomia. Plate 9.
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