Pull’n Retract: Experimenting with a String-based Wearable Input Device

In this paper we describe a novel wearable interaction device that is based on the principle of a badge reel often found in corporate environments. Our prototype device is composed of hardware components from an ordinary off-the-shelf game pad. Preliminary results of a user study show that the device allows for a more accurate and intuitive interaction than an ordinary game pad when performing a navigation task in a three-dimensional information space. Furthermore, the study suggests that device operation requires minimal attention demands due to the provided tactile feedback cues when maneuvering the retractable string in various directions in front of the body.