TR2005-055

iDwidgets: Parameterizing Widgets by User Identity
Citation: Ryall, K.; Esenther, A.; Everitt, K.; Forlines, C.; Ringel Morris, M.; Shen, C.; Shipman, S.; Vernier, F., "iDwidgets: Parameterizing Widgets by User Identity", IFIP TC13 International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (INTERACT), September 2005 (INTERACT 2005)
Date:July 2005
MERL Contacts:Alan Esenther, Clifton Forlines, Samuel Shipman

We introduce the concept of identity-differentiating widgets (iDwidgets), widgets parameterized by the identity of their user. Although multi-user applications have become more common, most support only traditional "single-user" widgets. By adding user-identity information we allow interactions with today's widgets to be dynamically customized on a per-user basis in a group usage setting. The concept has inspired the design of new widgets as well. In this paper we describe example iDwidgets and define a conceptual framework based on what is being customized in the widget. iDwidgets can support novel interaction techniques in collaborative settings.

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