TUI Embodiment:
This section showcases four different kind of information embodiment in TUI systems. Variety of projects, based on their context, contents and users choose their embodiment in TUI systems. They are:
• Full embodiment:
In full embodiment, output device itself is an input device. The object that is used to control and manipulate interactions and information itself is a output device where digital information is present. Siftable is a full-embodied TUI system, where users manipulate the blocks to demonstrate output on same blocks.
• Nearby embodiment:
Unlike full embodiment, output in nearby embodiment is near to the input object, but not exactly the input object. Most tabletop interfaces/interactive surfaces are good example of nearby embodiment.
• Distant embodiment:
In distant embodiment, output of TUI system is either at a distance or in other room to the input object. Bowl, where physical blocks of animated characters are kept in the bowl to play related animated movie on TV represents distant embodiment. Here, user places physical object in a bowl kept at a distance where output is showcased on television screen.
• Environment embodiment:
As indicated in the name, the output is presented in the surrounding environment. In most cases, the surrounding environment of the same room is considered under environment embodiment.
TUI Metaphors:
TUI systems use various objects to control and manipulate digital information. Such metaphors are sometimes abstract and sometimes clearly represent its association with digital information.
• Metaphor of noun:
When objects look like a real thing or represent object used in everyday life, these objects are called metaphor of noun. However, actions of these objects are most weakly related to real world actions.
E.g. navigational blocks, tagged objects.
• Metaphor of verb:
Objects are not likely to look like real thing or objects used in everyday life. The shape of the object is often irrelevant in metaphor of verb. However, the action associated with the objects acts like a real thing.