•• S o n i c T e x t i n g ••

- Can you write an SMS from inside your pocket?
SonicTexting is an audio-tactile system for writing text using gestures and sound.

SonicTexting was designed with the goal of enabling ‘texting’ without vision - using only touch and sound. It can potentially be used with any device (e.g., Mobile phone, PDA) in which text input is needed.

		In SonicTexting, smooth writing gestures are made using the Keybong, a joystick-like input device that fits in one hand. The joystick is manipulated using the thumb. The Keybong gestures produce tightly synchronized auditory responses, as well as light tactile feedback.
		Sound is the main point of SonicTexting. It is used for navigation and feedback. Different sound schemes were designed for SonicTexting using human voice, musical notes and mechanical sounds. 'Beginner mode' uses letter phoneme sounds, 'Expert mode' uses pitched percussive sounds.
		A visual scheme shows how to write each letter. The input text is displayed visually. Alternatively, auditory feedback ("read-back") can be used to replace the visual feednack; this way SonicTexting can be used while walking down the street.

The SonicTexting website (coming soon) describes the thinking, making and exhibiting of SonicTexting.

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Audio-Tactile • Michal Rinott • Thesis Project • Interaction-Ivrea 2004	m.rinott@interaction-ivrea.it