Interaction Options for Wearables and Smart-Devices While Walking

Using smartphones and wearables in parallel activities, e. g. while walking, is a widespread phenomenon. In different individuals we furthermore find different interaction styles which involve one or both hands. To study the effects of different interaction styles, we carried out a study involving three different interaction styles for touch-sensitive devices compared to a HMD operated by an additional controller providing passive haptic feedback. The experimental task was carried out while walking on a treadmill. In addition to the primary task of using the interaction device, a secondary task was administered which competed for the participants' visual attention. We found an impact of the different interaction styles on the input performance: Time on task proved to be faster with the HMD combined with a haptic input device, but error count increased significantly as well. Using the thumb for input resulted in a longer overall time during which the visual attention was focused on the interaction device.