ForcePinch: Force-Responsive Spatial Interaction for Tracking Speed Control in XR

TL;DR

ForcePinch introduces a force-responsive interaction method in XR that allows users to intuitively control pointer speed by varying pinching force, enhancing flexibility and precision in 3D spatial tasks.

Contribution

This paper presents ForcePinch, a novel hardware-enabled technique that modulates tracking speed based on pinch force, inspired by physical friction control, with demonstrated user benefits.

Findings

ForcePinch effectively enables speed control via pinch force.

Users can smoothly transition between rapid and precise movements.

ForcePinch shows distinctive advantages over existing methods in various contexts.

Abstract

Spatial interaction in 3D environments requires balancing efficiency and precision, which requires dynamic tracking speed adjustments. However, existing techniques often couple tracking speed adjustments directly with hand movements, reducing interaction flexibility. Inspired by the natural friction control inherent in the physical world, we introduce ForcePinch, a novel force-responsive spatial interaction method that enables users to intuitively modulate pointer tracking speed and smoothly transition between rapid and precise movements by varying their pinching force. To implement this concept, we developed a hardware prototype integrating a pressure sensor with a customizable mapping function that translates pinching force into tracking speed adjustments. We conducted a user study with 20 participants performing well-established 1D, 2D, and 3D object manipulation tasks, comparing ForcePinch against the distance-responsive technique Go-Go and speed-responsive technique PRISM. Results highlight distinctive characteristics of the force-responsive approach across different interaction contexts. Drawing on these findings, we highlight the contextual meaning and versatility of force-responsive interactions through four illustrative examples, aiming to inform and inspire future spatial interaction design.