Método para análise de movimentos gestuais e sua aplicação em design de interação

Abstract

This research presents a study on the morphology of freehands interactive gestures, gestures performed with free hands, considered by users as natural, executed in different cultural contexts. To proceed with this work, it was necessary to approach knowledge regarding the Design of Interaction, gestural interaction with the freehands paradigm, natural user interfaces, and concepts related to culture, which structured a theoretical basis pertinent to the object of study. A simulation of gesture interaction was performed and followed by a semi- structured interview. The population sample was composed by Design postgraduate students from two higher education institutions, in cities with distinct origins and cultural contexts: Universidade Federal do Maranhão – UFMA, in São Luís (MA) and Escola Superior de Desenho Industrial, from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – ESDI/UERJ, in Rio de Janeiro. This simulation consisted of gestural interpretations of actions resulting from common commands, in the interaction scenario with 3D graphics software, by volunteers. Due to the care to contain the contagion of Coronavirus, which is still very intense, simulations took place via videoconference, which influenced the cognition of interpretations and constructions of interactive movements. The data obtained through the executed gestures were related and analyzed under four parameters: handshape, location, movement, and laterality, which allowed identified relevant details to its morphology and naturalness, with value to perceive the contrasts and similarities between the interactive gestures realized by users, students of Design schools. The data collected in interviews and theoretical framework concluded that the cultural attributes assumed by volunteers influenced the contrast of the interactive movements performed. However, the technological culture assumed by them, in its varied levels of experience, was a factor for the convergence of mental models and gestural interpretations. It resulted in similar interactive movements. It was also observed the importance of the user's direct involvement in the object of study, including their way of thinking about the interaction in the proposed simulation. That contributes to making the interface more user-friendly and functional, for users from different cultural contexts. One expansion of this research is the application of this experience for the development of interfaces freehand gestures for technological artifacts services to public self-service, given the need to avoid touching devices, as a way to contain the Coronavirus contagion and its variations.