TOPIC INFORMATION A Research Study

Jami Eubanks, Kyle Frank, Ethan Hodge, Travis Limbaugh, and Carmen Quain

Arkansas Tech University

INFT 5413: Computer Systems and Architecture

Dr. Wendi Kappers

April 7, 2024
 TOPIC INFORMATION A Research Study

1. For this week’s assignment, please locate a Research Study that pertains to your team’s
topic. Describe the project and identify the source of the information.

“Beyond audio: Towards a design space of headphones as a site for interaction and sensing”
(Panda, 2023) found at (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/beyond-
audio-towards-a-design-space-of-headphones-as-a-site-for-interaction-and-sensing/)
Proposes using headphones as input devices beyond just audio.

2. Why did you select this particular research project?

This study was selected because as teachers changing and enhancing input methods we use by
including wearable technology with a minimal learning curve and increased interaction
between multiple users has potential for use in classroom interactions.

3. Briefly summarize the study.

A quick summary of the study follows: Using familiar headphones, the study looks to increase
interactions by including sensor beyond audio. Using various sensors, the authors evaluated
motion and touch to explore new interaction techniques. They propose applications like
privacy control based on context, gesture-based control of audio and video, and using head
movements to control actions in games or virtual environments. The study positions
headphones as an interaction platform based on input type and context of user actions.

4. How do you think this study pertains to your selected topic?

This article relates to our topic as it is looking to change an output device to both input and
output is potentially changing how we interact with devices. Exploration of new uses for
output devices to input devices can expand the functionality of devices without increasing
complexity of user control.

5. What questions did the study cause you to have after you read it?

While reading the study How long before this is common on headphones and earbuds? What
areas of computing will adopt first, gaming, communication, or operating systems? Will
it be laptop and desktop focused, or will it find its way into mobile products?

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 TOPIC INFORMATION A Research Study

References

Panda, P., Nicholas, M. J., Nguyen, D., Ofek, E., Pahud, M., Rintel, S., Franco, M. G., Hinckley,
K., & Lanier, J. (2023, July 1). Beyond Audio: Towards a Design Space of Headphones
as a Site for Interaction and Sensing. Www.microsoft.com.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/beyond-audio-towards-a-design-
space-of-headphones-as-a-site-for-interaction-and-sensing/