What if interfaces belonged to users instead of devices?
In cooperation with Carnegie Mellon University, MAYA has developed a personal, portable interface that works across multiple devices. We call it a “Personal Universal Controller” or PUC (“puck”).
80% fewer errors in half the time
User Study
We all struggle to use new or unfamiliar copy machines, stereo systems, hotel alarm clocks, ATMs, and so on. Each of them has a unique, idiosyncratic interface. We’ve engaged in research that gives each person their own personal interface that operates multiple devices.
System Architecture
Most remote controls communicate in one direction. The remote sends a signal to the appliance, which takes an action if it hears the signal. Because the remote doesn’t know what state the device is in, the remote has to offer all available options all the time. This is why there are so many tiny buttons on most remotes. Our PUC tames that complexity by hiding unneeded features. Its bi-directional communication with the devices it controls makes it much easier to use.
Interface
Unlike typical single-device/single-interface controls, the PUC automatically generates new interfaces on the fly.
When you point the PUC at a device to control it for the first time, the PUC downloads an abstract specification that describes the types of functions the appliance has. For example, can you control the volume? Does it have a spin cycle? Can you set the time? Can you make it print in color? Although different kinds of devices have very different specifications, some features are common to many devices. For example, radios and televisions both have adjustable volume controls.
The PUC system combines this abstract specification with what it knows about the PUC user’s preferences and the devices the PUC can control. (Is it a cell phone? A PDA? Does it support speech control? Does it have a color screen? A jog wheel?) It combines all of this information to quickly create custom interfaces.
Common, reusable interface elements maintain familiar ways of accomplishing similar tasks on multiple devices. With the PUC, you never have to look for the volume control on any device.
Because the appliance specification is abstract, there are no arbitrary limitations placed on the kinds of interface the PUC system can produce. You might prefer to use speech-recognition as input to the interface. The PUC can even create multi-modal interfaces, combining elements of speech-recognition and graphical interfaces.
This flexibility with the interface opens up the ability to control devices for users who are otherwise stymied by complex controls, such as the elderly or people who have physical limitations.
Results
In preliminary PUC tests, users completed tasks with 80% fewer errors, and in half the time. The PUC also presents a huge opportunity for product developers to dramatically cut typical interface development costs.