Publication
Bricks: Laying the Foundations for Graspable User Interfaces
Abstract
We introduce the concept of Graspable User Interfaces that allow direct control of electronic or virtual objects through physical handles for control. These physical artifacts, which we call u0022bricks,u0022 are essentially new input devices that can be tightly coupled or “attached” to virtual objects for manipulation or for expressing action (e.g., to set parameters or for initiating processes). Our bricks operate on top of a large horizontal display surface known as the u0022ActiveDesk.u0022 We present four stages in the development of Graspable UIs: (1) a series of exploratory studies on hand gestures and grasping; (2) interaction simulations using mock-ups and rapid prototyping tools; (3) a working prototype and sample application called GraspDraw; and (4) the initial integrating of the Graspable UI concepts into a commercial application. Finally, we conclude by presenting a design space for Bricks which lay the foundation for further exploring and developing Graspable User Interfaces.
Download publicationRelated Resources
See what’s new.
2025
Reimagine CAD with Autodesk’s New AI TechHear from Mike Haley, SVP of Autodesk Research as he takes the keynote…
2024
Celebrating the work of Autodesk ResearchWatch our recap video highlighting some of the great work our teams…
2014
Draco: Bringing Life to Illustrations with Kinetic TexturesDraco is a prototype sketch-based interface from that allows artists…
2001
Interaction Techniques for 3D Modeling on Large DisplaysWe present an alternate interface for 3D modeling for use on large…
Get in touch
Something pique your interest? Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Autodesk Research, our projects, people, and potential collaboration opportunities.
Contact us