Prototyping a chest-worn string-based wearable input device

In this paper we describe a novel wearable interaction device that is based on the principle of a badge reel often found in corporate environments. Our prototype devices are composed of hardware components from an ordinary off-the-shelf game pad. Preliminary results of a user study, conducted in the first prototyping cycle, showed that the device concept allows for a more accurate and intuitive interaction than an ordinary game pad when performing navigation tasks in a three-dimensional information space. Furthermore, the study suggests that device operation requires minimal attention demands due to provided tactile feedback cues when maneuvering the retractable string. Finally, the paper discusses lessons learn from the first prototyping cycle and presents the modified device after the second prototyping cycle.