The document proposes a taxonomy for classifying tangible user interfaces based on their level of embodiment and metaphor. It defines embodiment as how closely the output is tied to the input. There are four levels of embodiment: full, nearby, environmental, and distant. It also defines metaphor as whether the system effect of user actions maps analogously to real-world effects. There are three levels of metaphor: no metaphor, noun metaphor, and verb metaphor. The taxonomy is a two-dimensional framework that can be used to analyze and compare different tangible interface designs based on their levels of embodiment and metaphor.

1. 4. Tangible Interfaces

8. Development of the I/O Brush Source: Ryokai et al., 2005 Robust design Pressure sensing Orientation sensing Smudging support Paint history Paint palette

9. Sample Art Work Source: Ryokai et al., 2005

11. Example 3: metaDESK Source: Ishii & Ullmer, 1997b “ The Great Dome”

12. Typical Components Source: Ishii & Ullmer, 1997b

14. Example 4: Shakepad Source: Levin & Yarin, 1999 Inspiration: Many keychain devices, all with lots of buttons Shaking erases screen

18. Example 6: Photo Cubes Source: Want et al., 1999

20. What About These? Wellner, 1993: Digital Desktop Ishii, 1995: Tangible Bricks

24. Gummi Source: Schwesig et al., 2004 Commercial version by Sony: http:// www.sony.net / Fun / SonyDesign /2003/ Gummi /

32. eTextiles Source: http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~buechley/projects/LED_clothing/tank.html

34. Tagged Objects Source: Want et al., 1999

39. Let’s Try It! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Names: None Verb Noun and verb Full Full Noun Metaphor Nearby Environment Distant Embodiment