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Multi-field relations in designing for short-range RFID

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Abstract

Multi-field inputs are techniques driven by multiple short-range RFID-enabled artifacts like RFID-tags and RFID-tag readers. The technology is useful for designers so as to enable the construction of advanced interaction through the physical world. To take advantage of such opportunities, it is important to understand the technology in terms of what interactions it might offer designers. I address this issue by unwrapping and exposing elements that can be used to conceptualize multi-field interactions. This is done by way of a design driven inquiry in which design and research methods are used to investigate short-range RFID technology. My approach is informed by activity theory which I use to analyze RFID technology from a design perspective. The study presents multi-field relations as a conceptual framework that can be used to describe and generate multi-field inputs. Four types of multi-field relations are discussed: one-way, two-way, sequence and multiple relations. These are described and analyzed in context of a set of multi-field input examples. The multi-field relations expose elements that can be used to construct interactions. This is important for interaction designers, since new interactions presents designers with opportunities for making entirely new types of interfaces that can lead to interesting and surprising experiences.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to Andrew Morrison, Timo Arnall and Stian Børresen for help and support. Also thanks to colleagues at the research seminars series at Institute of Design, Oslo School of Architecture and Design, for their comments. Touch is a multidisciplinary design–oriented research project funded by the Norwegian Research Council through the VERDIKT program.

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  1. Institute of Design, The Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Oslo, Norway

    Kjetil Nordby

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  1. Kjetil Nordby
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Correspondence to Kjetil Nordby.

Appendix: multi-field inputs

Appendix: multi-field inputs

1.1 Multi-field command button

The multi-field command button allows one field to act as an activator for another field or group of fields.

figure a

1.2 Multi-field hierarchical linking

The multi-field hierarchical linking input encompasses systems where interaction with one group will change the content of the underlying group. Multiple groups can be linked in this way.

figure b

1.3 Multi-field radio button

The multi-field radio button moves a shared selection to the last field that has been taking part in a field intersection.

figure c

1.4 Multi-field toggle

The multi-field toggle involves two fields where interacting with either one of them will move the selection between the fields. (Fig. 9) This makes the two tags identical interaction wise expect that they always show opposite value.

figure d

1.5 Multiple instanced fields

Any changes done to one of the fields in a multiple instanced fields input will be copied to the other involved fields.

figure e

1.6 Multi-field gauche

The gauche is using multiple fields that negotiate a linear value range shared between them. For instance, on tag increases the value and another decreases the value.

figure f

1.7 Multi-field copy and paste

The copy and paste allows copying of content from one field to another by means of two sequential intersections.

figure g

1.8 Multi-field cut and paste

The cut and paste allows moving of content from one field to another by means of two sequential intersections.

figure h

1.9 Multi-field sequence relations

This interaction defines a link between two or more fields.

figure i

1.10 Multi-field coupled presence

Multi-field coupled presence uses two or more simultaneous field intersections as one input.

figure j

1.11 Multi-field controlling presence

This input is driven by two or more simultaneous intersections where one of the intersections serves as a parent, effectively controlling the other intersections.

figure k

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Nordby, K. Multi-field relations in designing for short-range RFID. Pers Ubiquit Comput 15, 175–185 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-010-0296-6

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