Researchers develop typing method that works with tilt movements

A research group from the Scottish University of St Andrews, among others, has developed a typing method that works by tilting the device, for example a smartphone. That way it is possible to type words based on Swype gestures.

The researchers have named their method, reported by TechCrunch, ‘Shape Writing in Motion’. This should make it possible to type with one hand on devices that have a large screen. According to the researchers, the technology could also be used for other applications, for example for wearables and VR. In the latter case, typing would also be possible if the user cannot see the keyboard itself.

In tests, users were able to type 15 words per minute without any practice. After 90 minutes of practice, I managed to reach a speed of 32 words per minute. For example, to complete words and insert spaces, the researchers use a so-called ‘chat head’. That is a circular virtual button on the screen, which users can touch with their thumb to perform the functions. For example, the button can also be used to delete words.

The tilt-type typing technique was previously introduced as an April Fool’s Day joke by SwiftKey in 2013. The researchers want to further develop the technology and develop an app that can be installed by users. They want to present their research at the ACM CHI conference in Denver in May.