Evaluation of Natural User Interface: A Usability Study Based on the Leap Motion Device

AbstractTechnologically successful products are identified by their ease of use. Tullis and Albert [9] pointed out that, the more technologically the product is, the less usable it will be perceived. For designers, many devices have been developed in order to improve the human-computer interaction (HCI), such as drawing tablets. Recently, a new device was launched in the market promising a “touch-free” interaction based on the gestural interface called “Leap Motion”. This innovative device waives common inputs such as mouse and keyboard, and represents an innovative graphical user interface and user interaction. The device enables the possibility for an image manipulation and creating artifacts like drawing directly into the air, without the use of a pen and a graphic tablet. This paper presents a survey to assess the interaction concept based on the Leap Motion with interface designer's activity and by using Photoshop CS6 software. The study was carried as a usability evaluation with five Designers who use the software in their work activities, but never used the Leap Motion device before. Users performed three pre-determined tasks and answered a user satisfaction questionnaire. As a result, enhancements were proposed for the Leap Motion user interface. In conclusion, researchers identified the necessity to adjust the device for a better user experience with natural interfaces. Thus, the technology used by the device is still fully effective and could be utilized to replace the mouse and keyboard in the design activities with graphic design software