master-degree-notes/HCIW/notes/2 - Interface and Interaction for IoT.md

1. New Interfaces

• Traditional point-and-click or touchscreens are less common in IoT due to:
  • Cost
  • Space limitations
  • Context-specific constraints

2. Physical Controls

• Examples: buttons, switches, sliders, rotary knobs.
• Serve both as input and state indicators.
• Advantages:
  • Fast, direct control.
  • Good for precise adjustments.
  • Accessibility for visually impaired users.
• Disadvantages:
  • Not ideal for frequently updated software.
  • Limited flexibility when multiple control points exist.

3. Lights (LEDs, etc.)

• Used for:
  • Color coding
  • Blink patterns
  • Quick notifications
• Advantages:
  • Non-intrusive, quick-to-understand feedback.
• Disadvantages:
  • Inefficient for complex information.

4. Displays and Screens

• Types: segment displays, monochrome, color screens, E-ink.
• Advantages:
  • Dynamic labels.
  • Support for software updates.
• Disadvantages:
  • Increased cost.
  • Feature creep (does it work without a display?).
  • Can complicate UX.

5. Audio Output

• Includes sounds and text-to-speech.
• Advantages:
  • Effective for urgent alerts.
  • Can convey emotions.
  • No need for visual attention.
• Disadvantages:
  • Can be annoying or disruptive.
  • Unsuitable for silent environments.

6. Voice Input

• Still unreliable, better for command lists than free speech.
• Advantages:
  • Hands-free interaction.
  • Works well with good connectivity and low noise.
• Disadvantages:
  • Struggles with complex or multilingual commands.
  • High implementation cost.

7. Tangible and Tactile Interaction

• Uses physical objects for control (e.g., force touch, vibrations).
• Advantages:
  • Intuitive and easy to learn.
  • Provides ambient feedback.
  • Good for educational products.
• Disadvantages:
  • Parts may get lost.
  • Requires learning time.
  • Reliability concerns.

8. Gestural Input

• Includes swipes, pinches, mid-air gestures.
• Advantages:
  • Suitable for video games, wearables, short interactions.
• Disadvantages:
  • Not good for precise or prolonged interaction.
  • Risk of false positives.

9. Context-Sensitive Interaction

• Device responds to presence in a specific location.
• Advantages:
  • Reduces user effort in managing complexity.
  • Effective when context directly relates to device features.
• Disadvantages:
  • Can feel restrictive if the system makes decisions for the user.

10. Computer Vision and Barcodes

• Includes facial recognition, biometrics, QR codes, OCR.
• Advantages:
  • Automates complex manual input.
• Disadvantages:
  • Can introduce unnecessary complexity if simpler alternatives exist.