Over the past two decades, HCI researchers have developed a broad
range of new interfaces that diverge from the "window, icon, menu,
pointing device" (WIMP) or Direct Manipulation interaction
style. Development of this new generation of post-WIMP interfaces has
been fueled by advances in computer technology and improved
understanding of human psychology. Some examples of these post-WIMP
interaction styles are: virtual, mixed and augmented reality, tangible
interaction, ubiquitous and pervasive computing, context-aware
computing, handheld, or mobile interaction, perceptual and affective
computing as well as lightweight, tacit or passive
interaction. Although some may see these interaction styles as
disparate innovations proceeding on unrelated fronts, we propose that
they share salient and important commonalities, which can help us
understand, connect, and analyze them. We believe that all of these
new interaction styles draw strength by building on users'
pre-existing knowledge of the everyday, non-digital world to a much
greater extent than before.
