Linetic: Technical, usability and aesthetic implications of a ferrofluid-based organic user interface

Abstract

We present an OUI that combines Hall Effect sensing and actuation through electromagnetically-manipulated ferrofluid. The movement of magnets worn on the fingertips, over a surface embedded with a Hall Effect sensor array and electromagnets, gives the user the ability to interact with ferrofluid. This system provides a three-dimensional, physically animated response, as well as three-dimensional, spatial-sensing inputs. The vibration of the magnets worn on the fingertips, produced by the repulsing polarity of the electromagnets, provides the user with haptic feedback. Linetic is a multimodal interface with a visual, audio and haptic experience. In this manuscript we explain the overall system from a technical, usability and aesthetic viewpoint by outlining significant experiments conducted that contribute to the development of the system. Furthermore we discuss the philosophical and aesthetical implications of the Linetic system, as well as characterize Linetic's disposition to Analogness or Digitalness. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.