Philipp Schoessler, Sang-won Leigh, Krithika Jagannath, Patrick van Hoof, Hiroshi Ishii

Abstract

In this paper we present Cord UI, a novel user interface that utilizes cords that are connected to our everyday electrical devices. Cords offer unique properties and a diverse set of metaphors that make them potentially interesting tangible interfaces. Cord UI explores different interactions like tying knots or pinching/sliding to control the flow of data and/or electricity. We also look at ways to manipulate data or certain properties of a device by using a combination of the cord and some object. For instance, placing a clamp on a cable can obstruct the audio signal to the headphones. To test and evaluate our ideas, we built prototypes by augmenting standard cables with different sensors. We think that these augmented cords can make certain controls more seamless and intuitive.