Enriching the Desktop Metaphor with Physics, Piles and the Pen

2006 We explore making virtual desktops behave in a more physically realistic manner by adding physics simulation and using piling instead of filing as the fundamental organizational structure. Objects can be casually dragged and tossed around, influenced by physical characteristics such as friction and mass, much like we would manipulate objects in the real world. In addition we explore giving icons the affordances of paper supporting crumpling, creasing and pinning up to the walls for annotation. To manipulate and browse piles we integrate advances in techniques and propose our own novel set. We present a prototype, called BumpTop, that coherently integrates a variety of interaction and visualization techniques optimized for pen input we have developed to support this new style of desktop organization. Encouraging results of a user evaluation are also presented in which participants were able to complete 88% of tasks and find the interface enjoyable and satisfying. ii Acknowledgements During my time at the University of Toronto, I developed in a few ways. I moved away from home, matured and grew up a little, gained some intellectual capacity, gained some pounds and my first grey hairs, gained the affectionate nickname " crispy " , gained several friends through a multitude of good times, infamously embarrassed myself, got to meet some interesting people like Master T and be in the proximity of others (Rick Mercer, Naomi Klein, JRS-One), and had my ego destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. What a journey, what a memorable time. It could not have been possible without the following people who I truly wish to thank. I would like to acknowledge Ravin Balakrishnan for his support, motivation, ferocious tenacity and research vision, without which this work would not be possible. Also, for encouraging me to eat body parts of shrimp I didn't think were for eating. The valuable efforts of Karan Singh are duly acknowledged. As well, his ability to host legendary DGP house parties, where phenomenal harmonica players seem to emerge from the woodwork. To Maegan Harrison, who has been with me from the inception of this project to its close, a beacon of love and unwavering support through the rough terrain whose dedication I will never forget. You pulled me through when I couldn't go on and eagerly read drafts of my papers including this very document, I love you. To my mother, father and sisters, whose unlimited warmth and love made me …