Reaching the same point: Effects on consistency when pointing at objects in the physical environment without feedback

We present results from a study examining the impact of several human and technical factors on selection by pointing a handheld pointer at physical objects in a room without feedback. A basic mobile sensor assembly is used to demonstrate the feasibility of coarse target acquisition using this technique. Results show that the factors of relative target size and orientation, and postural constraints on pointing behaviour all impact consistency across individuals in the target acquisition end-point when pointing without feedback. Consistency increased when participants were allowed to move freely, contrary to the assumption that constraining body movement, position, and orientation across individuals would increase consistency. Overall pointing consistency also did not fall off when participants could not look at the targets during interaction (after having previously pointed to them). We present design considerations based on these findings.

Research Highlights
► We present a study examining how postural constraints affect consistency across individuals when pointing at objects in the environment without feedback.
► Results show that the greatest consistency across individuals occurred when no postural constraints were imposed.
► Results also indicate that consistency was not affected when individuals pointed at previously acquired targets without looking at the target.