Sang-won Leigh, Ermal Dreshaj, Artem Dementyev, Pattie Maes, V. Michael Bove

Abstract

Tools and user interfaces are usually designed for users with normal physical condition. Even though more products are built with accessibility considerations, there is still severe lack of opportunity for people with disabilities to use products to their full potential. In this paper, we present the idea of using human muscles as output interface, using functional electrical stimulation (FES). We envision that this would allow for filling the gap between products and a user’s capability, thereby promising every product’s universal accessibility. To match our behavioral and perceptual capability with the product on use, we can reprogram the way we control our body or give direct muscle motion-feedback. We believe that this idea would create new area and provoke discussion in the field of user interactions and their applications.