Large surface computing devices (wall-mounted or tabletop) with touch interfaces and their
application to collaborative data analysis an increasingly important and prevalent activity
is the primary topic of this book. Our goals are to outline the fundamentals of surface
computing (a still maturing technology) review relevant work on collaborative data analysis
describe frameworks for understanding collaborative processes and provide a better
understanding of the opportunities for research and development. We describe surfaces as
display technologies with which people can interact directly and emphasize how interaction
design changes when designing for large surfaces. We review efforts to use large displays
surfaces or mixed display environments to enable collaborative analytic activity. Collaborative
analysis is important in many domains but to provide concrete examples and a specific focus
we frequently consider analysis work in the security domain and in particular the challenges
security personnel face in securing networks from attackers and intelligence analysts
encounter when analyzing intelligence data. Both of these activities are becoming increasingly
collaborative endeavors and there are huge opportunities for improving collaboration by
leveraging surface computing. This work highlights for interaction designers and software
developers the particular challenges and opportunities presented by interaction with surfaces.
We have reviewed hundreds of recent research papers and report on advancements in the fields
of surface-enabled collaborative analytic work interactive techniques for surface technologies
and useful theory that can provide direction to interaction design work. We also offer insight
into issues that arise when developing applications for multi-touch surfaces derived from our
own experiences creating collaborative applications. We present these insights at a level
appropriate for all members of the software design and development team. Table of Contents:
List of Figures Acknowledgments Figure Credits Purpose and Direction Surface
Technologies and Collaborative Analysis Systems Interacting with Surface Technologies
Collaborative Work Enabled by Surfaces The Theory and the Design of Surface Applications
The Development of Surface Applications Concluding Comments Bibliography Authors'
Biographies
