New wearable makes using the computer better for physical health

By Editorial Team Last updated Feb 14, 2017

It’s no surprise that sitting in front of a computer all day can have negative impacts on your physical health. That’s why researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a brand new wearable that works in conjunction with a standing desk to reduce cyberslacking and increase healthy movement.

The researchers developed the technology in an attempt to make computing a more fun and physically active experience with the help of a foot interaction method for computer users with a standing desk.

The idea behind the research project, Tap-Kick-Click, conducted by Professor Daniel Vogel and Master’s student William Saunders, is that computer users at standing desks can increase their physical activity through indirect, discrete two-foot input using combinations of kicks, foot taps, jumps, and standing postures which are tracked using a depth camera and special shoes.

Tap-Kick-Click interaction enables (a) physically and productive "foot input only" breaks; (b) increased physical activity with mouse and keyboard input; (c) and, as a way to self-control cyberslacking. (Image Credit: University of Waterloo) — Tap-Kick-Click interaction enables (a) physically and productive “foot input only” breaks; (b) increased physical activity with mouse and keyboard input; (c) and, as a way to self-control cyberslacking. (Image Credit: University of Waterloo)

Not only does the system aim to increase physical activity, but the techniques use foot input as a cyberslacking deterrent by requiring the user to stand in an uncomfortable position— like a lunge— while viewing social networking websites or other distracting content. When the user changes from that position, the distracting content locks again.

“People already use a standing desk to be healthier and more productive. Increasing physical activity by using your feet to enter commands is our main focus, but the anti-cyberslacking pose is something that really pushes the whole idea farther,” said Vogel. “Some people already install software to completely block sites like Facebook when they want to get work done. Our technique lets people use those sites, but since they need to stand in an uncomfortable pose while viewing them, they’re naturally encouraged to keep it brief.”

The researchers demonstrated the Tap-Kick-Click technique with a web browser, document reader and a code debugger, but say that the system can be paired with almost any desktop applications. In addition, an on-screen guide helps the user remember and perform associated foot actions while taking a break from working with their hands.

“There’s plenty of research showing that using feet to type or move a cursor isn’t a very good idea. We demonstrate that with the right style of interaction, feet are a good fit for slower tasks with intermittent input. Things like scrolling a webpage while reading or interactive code debugging,” said Vogel. “We hope our system can make computing more physically active and maybe even a bit more fun.”