Vertical, Horizontal, and Mobile

In this chapter we discuss the effects of input device orientation and size on the design of interactive systems. Multi-touch interaction with a phone is conducted with thumbs and while holding the device. Multi-touch interaction with wall-mounted displays is conducted with fingertips and arms extended. The physicality of the interaction is clearly different, as is the context of use and also the tasks that the user is likely to want to perform. Handhelds, e-readers, tablets, booklets, slates, desktops, tabletops, laptops, and wall-mounted displays each have their own unique affordances. Correspondingly, software designed for such devices will need to be further tailored to account for these factors. A detailed review of all of these differences would require a book unto itself. Instead, in this chapter, we will do the next best thing: We will provide an overview of the issues, and point the way toward solutions.