Surreal 2D / 3D Manipulations

SpaceTop is a technological and design elucidation that merges 2D and spatial 3D interactions into a single desktop workspace. Extending the traditional desktop interface with the use of interaction technology and visualization techniques, transitioning between 2D and 3D manipulations is a breeze. SpaceTop allows users to type, click, draw in 2D, and directly manipulate interface elements that float in the 3D space above the keyboard.

As the designers say, “It makes it possible to easily switch from one modality to another, or to simultaneously use two modalities with different hands. We introduce hardware and software configurations for co-locating these various interaction modalities in a unified workspace using depth cameras and a transparent display.” The video explains the concept well, have a look….

Designers: Jinha Lee, Alex Olwal, Hiroshi Ishii, and Cati Boulanger