Physical paper as the user interface for an architectural design tool

Early architectural design is a typical example where traditional design tools such as sketching on paper still dominate over computer-assisted tools. Augmented reality is presented as a promising approach towards developing an interaction style that preserves the naturalness of the traditional way of designing, while at the same time providing access to new media. Using the Visual Interaction Platform (VIP-3), a first prototype tool that supports a combination of virtual and physical paper has been realized. We discuss some of the unsolved problems and potential benefits of a user interface based on physical paper