Sparse Tangibles: Collaborative Exploration of Gene Networks using Active Tangibles and Interactive Tabletops

We present Sparse Tangibles, a tabletop and active tangible-based framework to support cross-platform, collaborative gene network exploration using a Web interface. It uses smartwatches as active tangibles to allow query construction on- and off-the-table. We expand their interaction vocabulary using inertial sensors and a custom case. We also introduce a new metric for measuring the "confidence level" of protein and genetic interactions. Three expert biologists evaluated the system and found it fun, useful, easy to use, and ideal for collaborative explorations.