Tangidesk: a Tangible Interface Prototype for Urban Design and Planning

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of TangiDESK, a tangible interface prototype to assist in the design and planning of urban design projects. The prototype derives from the need for an intuitive user interface similar to a designeris or architectis CAD system but also simple enough for non-designers like city planners and developers who are not accustomed to CAD interfaces to use and understand easily. Users can manipulate the objects or modify its relationship with other elements in the site while making preliminary design decisions together in a single environment. With TangiDESK, designers and planners can collaborate and make informative decisions more effectively and accurately in early stages of an urban design project