[IxDA Discuss] Scenarios for multitouch displays?

[Trip O'Dell]

> On the flipside...
>
> I also think it's tempting to ascribe applications to this that  
> really,
> could be easily done on regular computers (but people don't). For  
> example,
> the video on the MS site of the guy mapping a route on a map on  
> Surface and
> transferring it to a phone. You don't need a touch surface to do  
> that. You
> could just as easily click on two locations on a Google map and  
> have it
> transfer the route over to your phone (and maybe somewhere this  
> application
> already exists).

I think context is important for this kind of application. Sure, its  
easy for me to download directions into my phone and take it with  
me...if I'm at home. If I'm on the road I need the following:

	1) Either a phone with internet access (where I suffer through a  
badly thought out UI to get the information I need) OR (more likely)  
my laptop

	2) A network connection that will let me access google maps

	3) a means of easily transferring the information to my phone.

	4) a willingness to go through all this hassle rather than ask  
someone how to get where I want to do.

Where I see this kind of mapping application being useful, would be a  
hotel lobby, or car rental agency. The security issue is a concern,  
but that is more a limitation of phone design. It seems that  
bluetooth on most devices is an all or nothing proposition. Why can't  
there be levels of access permissions? EG - I choose how open I want  
my phone to be in any given exchange.

Am I getting directions from a public terminal? The terminal has no  
need to access my address book or personal data. Just the ability to  
send directions to my map application.

Since Surface uses reflective camera occlusion, you can print  
information on the back of the phone which is read by Surface when  
you place it on the table - sort of like a limited WEP key to  
establish contact. Surface sends an encryped signal to the phone,  
phone wakes up, promps user to enter a password, a secure, but  
limited connection is made. Directions are established and  
transferred, user picks up phone. Session ends and erases personally  
identifiable information from previous interaction and resets. GPS on  
phone guides user off nearest cliff. Everyone is happy (cheers).

Based on the context of being in a strange city, and perhaps knowing  
no more about my location than "you are here"- I would definitely use  
this type of application if it were available. Its easier than  
transferring information from my laptop (if I have it with me) and  
more trustworthy than asking the clerk at the desk. I get a visual  
representation of where I am at multiple scales with clues like local  
landmarks in place.