Multi-touch technology is a method where the user is able to interact with a computer screen or smart phone. Instead of using a mouse the user is able to use 2 or more fingers placed directly onto the screen to control content. Usually, multi-touch technology requires a touch screen (screen, overlay, table, wall, etc.) or touch pad, as well as software that recognizes multiple simultaneous touch points. I have recently been experimenting with Dan Zen’s “Goose for Flash”. Goose is a piece of technology built in Flash that was built with designers and developers in mind. This technology allows for people to build multi-touch games and applications in Flash.
I borrowed this technology to create my own version of a multi-touch game. The game consisted of a doll that two players could drag around on screen simultaneously. Goose technology allows for both players to adjust the scale and position of the doll … creating a stretch and collapse effect. Seeing this technology work and involving multiple people at one time, creates a more engaging interactive environment.
Some other samples of multi-touch technology is a project that recently launched at the New York City’s Visitor’s Center. GestureTek had fabricated three multi-touch tables that incorporated both multi-touch and object recognition. Some of the features include; Google earth fly-through trip through the streets of New York, create your own itinerary and print out information.
Multi-touch is not a new technology, the technology is just now being implemented into the mainstream and applied to more and more institutions around the world. The advantage to Dan Zen’s multi-touch “Goose” technology is that you do not have to use a multi-touch device or blob detection table.
Follow the link below, if you would like to try out this technology.
http://gooseflash.wordpress.com/
