Around-device devices: my coffee mug is a volume dial

Abstract

For many people their phones have become their main everyday tool. While phones can fulfill many different roles they also require users to (1) make do with affordance not specialized for the specific task, and (2) closely engage with the device itself. We propose utilizing the space and objects around the phone to offer better task affordance and to create an opportunity for casual interactions. Such around-device devices are a class of interactors that do not require users to bring special tangibles, but repurpose items already found in the user's surroundings. In a survey study, we determine which places and objects are available to around-device devices. Furthermore, in an elicitation study, we observe what objects users would use for ten interactions.