Suit Up!: Inconspicuous Interactions on Jacket Buttons

Abstract

We present a new interaction space for wearables by inlaying interactive elements, in the form of buttons, into outdoor clothing, specifically jackets and coats. Interactive buttons, or iButtons, allow users to perform specific tasks using inconspicuous gestures—subtle actions which are not easily perceived by others. They are intended for outdoor settings, where reaching for a mobile phone or other devices may not be very convenient or appropriate. Different types of buttons serve dedicated functions, and appropriate placement of these buttons make them easily accessible, without requiring visual contact. By adding context sensitivity, buttons can also be repurposed to fit other functions. By linking multiple buttons, it is possible to create workflows for specific tasks. We provide a description of an initial iButton design space and highlight some scenarios to illustrate the envisioned usage of interactive buttons.