As technology is becoming increasing advanced and sophisticated, various input technologies and experimental input technologies allow for large numbers of gesture types to be used and allow for new ways in controlling software; for example people are able to perform a gesture on their mobile phone to manipulate a photo or to make a call. It is now possible to play console games without the need for a controller or any expensive device. However very little is known about the effects which gestures have and how people learn and remember the various gestures sets on Surface User Interfaces.
The aims of the project are to first investigate related work and from psychology how the temporal lobe (part of the brain which controls memory) operates. The project will also involve an investigation of how we are able to measure memory itself so we can perform the various experiments. Once the initial research has been completed, we will be able to design and implement various different types of gestures which can be integrated onto a touch screen device (Microsoft Surface). Once the gestures have been developed it will be possible develop a variety of different experiments which will allow us to measure the memorability of the different gestures. The experiments involve asking voluntary participants and in a controlled lab study if they can use the Microsoft Surface to perform the gestures. This will be recorded and analysed. From this we can learn how people remember gestures, which ones are easier or harder to remember, if there are any close links to how people perform gestures and to any other input device (e.g. computer mouse) etc.
At the end of the project we aim to produce a set of guidelines which can be used in the next generation of interface design as it will allow designers to take into account the types of gestures which are easier for people to remember and perform.