Tangible software modeling with multi-touch technology

This paper describes a design study that explores how multi-touch devices can provide support for developers when carrying out modeling tasks in software development. We investigate how well a multi-touch augmented approach performs compared to a traditional approach and if this new approach can be integrated into existing software engineering processes. For that, we have implemented a fully-functional prototype, which is concerned with agreeing on a good object-oriented design through the course of a Class Responsibility Collaboration (CRC) modeling session. We describe how multi-touch technology helps with integrating CRC cards with larger design methodologies, without loosing their unique physical interaction aspect. We observed high-potential in augmenting such informal sessions in software engineering with novel user interfaces, such as those provided by multi-touch devices.