Task blocks: tangible interfaces for creative exploration

Abstract

This paper introduces Task Blocks, a system that uses physical blocks, called task blocks, to represent computational functions. Users string task blocks together to create a "pipeline" that sequentially manipulates data. Input devices attach directly to individual task blocks to control the effect of each function in the pipeline. The design of the system encourages hands-on, active experimentation by allowing users to directly insert, delete, or modify any function in the pipeline. This paper presents the design of Task Blocks and results from initial prototyping efforts.