Towards an interface for untethered ubiquitous gaming

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a wearable interface for ubiquitous gaming, dubbed Gauntlet. Our objective has been to achieve a user interface for intuitive and immersive interaction in mobile gaming environments, but generic enough to be used in diverse game styles and untethered from location-specific hardware and software frameworks. A fully-functional prototype has been built from the first design approach and its use illustrated by a gaming application based on manipulation of real objects. Usability evaluation, focusing on players' experiences with the Gauntlet, has helped us to validate our approach and uproot both usability and wearability issues.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors

Keywords:
evaluation, gaming, gauntlet, interface, pervasive, ubiquitous, usability, wearable