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Extending the Touchscreen

11/08/12  |  Posted by Maria Rouzzo  |  Posted in Digital Creativity

Michael Knuepfel is an inventor who, for his ITP Thesis, created “Extending the Touchscreen,” a project encompassing seven devices “designed to improve upon or supplement the functionality of capacitance touchscreens.” The devices include a Game Controller, Digital Signet Rings, a Mechanical and Sound stylus, Pulse Generator, Dial-A-Rama, and Future Devices. All rely on magnets and light sensors (rather than the usual USB connection) that allow his devices and touch screens to communicate. From a stylus inserted in the microphone input jack, to a physical game controller, Knuepfel’s manipulative devices have pushed the boundaries in touchscreen capabilities.

According to Michael’s portfolio,

Touchscreens like those found on smartphones and tablets have enabled a new generation of versatile user interfaces. My thesis project at ITP, Extending the Touchscreen, aims to further this versatility by using conductive materials to construct a series of physical, mechanical, and electrical devices that touch, interact and communicate directly through the touchscreen interface. My goal in constructing these external devices is to make touchscreen interactions more tactile, physical and potentially more expressive and fun.”

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