Aerial tunes: exploring interaction qualities of mid-air displays

New types of interfaces are emerging in the form of shape changing and mid-air interfaces. However, little is known about how such interfaces are experienced and explored over time. This paper presents Aerial Tunes, a collaborative, tangible interface, based on balls hovering in mid-air, which can be manipulated individually, or collaboratively to explore and experiment with an ambient soundscape. We describe the design of Aerial Tunes and the technical challenges in constructing the prototype, Aerial Tunes exemplify how systems can be designed to support aesthetic experiences and promote enjoyment and excitement through a seemingly magical and unstable display, supporting explorative and tangible interaction coupled with sound feedback. Based on a four-week field study of the prototype at a public main library, we report how people experienced, investigated, interpreted and explored this interface. We describe the design intentions and qualities, which served to invite for exploration and resulted in multiple and diverse interpretations.