Initial Product Scope Developing textual input methods for new devices. Michael Dann

Concept Existing input methods for text, on modern devices that lack a qwerty keyboard, can benefit from completely revolutionising the way in which typing on these interfaces is performed. Focussing primarily on touch screens and game controllers, I will be designing a new, faster, method of typing on these devices. Nearly every modern product re-creates an on-screen ‘virtual keyboard’, adapting the interface to match the users previous experiences with this type of technology. I have conducted research into the few experimental products currently being rolled out across the industry, most noticeably 8-pen and swype.

Michael Dann Design The new application will feature an interface designed to work on both a touch screen, using multi-touch, or using the joysticks on a modern game controller. My initial designs for the product are visible below. They feature two circles which will be used in combination to benefit typing, gestures created by manipulating each circle will ‘type’ each letter. The circles can relate to the joysticks on a game pad or can be manipulated using the users fingers on a multi-touch tablet or phone. The product will be developed for game controllers and the Ipad initially, it can subsequently be transferred to other devices.

Michael Dann Implementation The application does not require contact with outside sources, it is a stand-alone application that will run on local hardware. The application would logically be designed using the development languages used by the system it is installed upon. For the initial development of the product, this will be Objective-C to run on the Ipad and use MAX MSP on a desktop computer to demonstrate the potential of the product. Future development of the product would mean porting it onto other hardware platforms, most noticeably onto the native console environments of the game controllers being employed to control it. These include the X-Box 360 and Play station 3. The product could also be ported to any system that supports the ability to select two areas of the screen at once, any multi-touch smart phone or tablet PC could also have this interface developed for them. This is an experimental product, until it is developed and practised users apply it over an extended period of time, it’s efficiency cannot be determined. This product is completely different to modern typing techniques, it will require learning and practise for a user to become proficient with it. It will also need to be repeatedly tested against existing solutions to this problem, to test its validity as being faster and more efficient.