Specifications

6
The Benefits of Touch Technology
There are many benefits to touch tech-
nology that include design advantages as
well as advantages to the user.
n Increased Design Opportunities
Outer space or under water - the limita-
tions of traditional input devices no longer
apply when using touch technology. Touch
screens fit directly onto the surface of a dis-
play or around the perimeter of it, so there is
no need for concern about enough space or
surface area to accommodate a peripheral
device. This has created all new applications
such as in-vehicle controls and mobile com-
munications, and greatly increased the sys-
tem mounting options for designers.
Many types of touch technology are also
extremely resistant to environmental condi-
tions and substances that are destructive to
traditional input devices, thus creating appli-
cations for computers in places that were
previously not practical. Severe industrial
environments, engine rooms, and automotive
repair bays are examples of applications that
are best suited for touch input because of the
likely damage other input devices would sus-
tain.
Touch technology also solves other
problems encountered with traditional input
devices, such as equipment that is used at
night or in dark environments. Examples
include in-vehicle controls, cockpits, or
security/surveillance equipment. Touching
images on an illuminated display is far easier
and more accurate than attempting to use a
keyboard in the dark - especially if you’re
driving.
n Immediate Response
Unlike other input devices such as a
mouse, trackball, or joy stick, the user does
not have to coordinate hand movements
between the movement of the input device
and the corresponding movement of the cur-
sor on the screen. Once the user has made
the selection, the target can blink or switch to
reverse video so the user can see immedi-
ately that the input has been accepted.