Paper Reading #4: Adaptive Mouse: A Deformable Computer Mouse Achieving Form-Function Synchronization

Comments
Zack Henkel
Paola Garza 

Reference Information
Title: Adaptive Mouse: A Deformable Computer Mouse Achieving Form-Function Synchronization
Authors: Shen Kai Tang, Wen Yen Tang
When/Where: CHI 2010, Atlanta, Georgia

Summary
This article discussed a new type of computer mouse, called the Adaptive Mouse. It is designed to be a deformable mouse instead of a generic, neutral shape as is usually the convention. The Adaptive Mouse is originally in a circular shape that can be deformed by simply holding the mouse. It can be freely moved and always recieves accurate cursor feedback.

Concept of Adaptive Mouse. Source: Article

The mouse consists of a Hall-effect sensor and a magnet, covered by foam for flexible deformation. The Hall-effect sensor is used to detect strength of the magnetic field by how close it is to the magnet, which detects deformation. Underneath the sensors is the space for the optical sensor, circuit boards, and batteries. The circular shape of the mouse is divided into eight different sections, each with two deformation sensors.

To design the algorithm for determining where the palm is and where buttons should be defined, the authors did a user study of 30 different subjects divided evenly by gender. They were given a set of steps for holding the Adaptive Mouse construct, and the data was analyzed to determine that many similar characteristics exist for holding the mouse. Using this information, the algorithm was constructed. The determination algorithm starts by looking for the highest signal, and determines the opposite area to be the position of the middle-finger, or right button. From there, the location of the left button can be determined. After this, the Hall-effect sensor signals beneath the fingers are mapped to their corresponding buttons. The optical sensor works directionally despite the circular shape, by calibrating it to the angle between its original direction and the predicted direction of a hand gesture.

Physical composition of Adaptive Mouse. Source: Article

After the first prototype was created, another user study was conducted with the same people as the first study, this time actually using the mouse. Each person was asked to complete certain tasks. The results indicated that many subjects liked the mouse as a novelty, and felt curious about the "magic" mechanisms behind it. Some of them thought it would be useful for using in dark rooms, as well. However, there were complaints about it not working when used in a different way than most people use a mouse, and is too large for some female users. The authors concluded by suggesting that these details would be improved in further studies.

Discussion
I think the Adaptive Mouse would be very interesting to try out. In general, I usually don't like strangely designed mice, such as the stationary ones with a ball that moves around for cursor movement. However, this mouse uses the user's natural way of using a mouse in order to function, so it could be quite nice to use. Especially in dark rooms or just for fun, like various people in the user study expressed.

I also like how the designers did a study of 30 people of various ages before deciding on an algorithm for the mouse, then did another study to test usage. I think that this is a good example of how products should be designed based on user-need, instead of the designer's thoughts.