Pactolo Bar: An Approach to Mitigate the Midas Touch Problem in Non-Conventional Interaction

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology
• Web Accessibility

Background:

• Non-conventional computer interactions (using hands, voice, head, etc.) are crucial for scenarios where traditional mouse/keyboard use is difficult.
• The Midas Touch (MT) problem, characterized by involuntary selections, hinders user experience in these interaction methods.
• Head Tracking (HT) is a promising non-conventional interaction technique facing challenges with precise control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To mitigate the Midas Touch (MT) problem in web page interactions.
• To introduce and evaluate a novel solution, the Pactolo Bar (PB), utilizing Head Tracking (HT) technology.
• To enhance user experience with non-conventional computer interaction methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Pactolo Bar (PB), a component integrated into web pages to control click events.
• Two-stage testing with voluntary participants to configure and evaluate the PB.
• Comparative analysis of the PB solution against eViacam software, another HT-based tool.

Main Results:

• Quantitative data demonstrated significant prevention of involuntary clicks using the Pactolo Bar (PB).
• Qualitative data indicated an improved user experience due to the PB's ease of use, including its size, triggering mechanism, and interface positioning.
• The study confirmed the effectiveness of the PB in addressing the Midas Touch problem.

Conclusions:

• The Pactolo Bar (PB) offers a promising solution to the Midas Touch (MT) problem in web interactions.
• Implementing user-centered design elements in the PB significantly enhances usability and user experience.
• Further research into graphic elements and interaction events is beneficial for advancing non-conventional computer interactions.