Exploring how computer-style keyboard shortcuts can be reliably brought to touchscreen devices

What is it about?

Computer keyboard shortcuts make it quick and easy to do complex tasks, but touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets typically lack such functionality. We explored how equivalent 'SoftCuts' for touchscreen devices might work, in four ways — 1) what visual language users find useful, 2) whether first-timers could find and use SoftCuts, 3) how prior knowledge affects SoftCuts usage, and 4) whether SoftCuts improve upon a prior innovation called FastTap.

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Why is it important?

Few commercial softwares exist to improve people's experience using a digital keyboard, or leverage existing knowledge of computer keyboard shortcuts. Our research could help build tools to make it quicker, easier, and more seamless to use digital devices in tandem with computers.