This is a great video of a new interface for homes called, Control of Remotely Interacted Systems using Touch-based Actions in Living spaces (CRISTAL).

In the demo they’re using an overhead projector, but I could just as easily see this working well with Microsoft Surface. Regardless, it’s an amazing idea of interacting with objects by mapping their interfaces directly.

I really like these ideas. This type of design is not limited by hardware, or engineering. They’re merely experimenting with possibilities, and seeing how far they can take an interaction.

Some things they could add to this would be:

• A kitchen camera, so you can see that you’re water is over boiling while watch the game in the other room. Then turn down the stove.
• The time remaining on the microwave letting you know that you’re reheated breakfast burrito is done, and you missed the audio feedback. Or, add a minute to the counter.
• A way for adjusting your heat/air conditioning
• Outdoor cam, for who’s knocking at the door, with intercom interface.

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