# Internet of Tangible Things (IoTT): Challenges and Opportunities for Tangible Interaction with IoT

**Authors:** Leonardo Angelini, Nadine Couture, Omar Abou Khaled, Elena Mugellini  
**arXiv:** [1708.02664](https://arxiv.org/abs/1708.02664)  
**Date:** 2017-08-08  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/1708.02664v1/

## Key points

- Increasing number of household devices and everyday objects connected to the Internet in the era of IoT
- Disconnect between physical world and digital interfaces of these devices
- Use of tangible interaction as a way to counteract this trend
- Introduction of the concept of "Internet of Tangible Things"
- Analysis of current challenges in Human-Computer Interaction within IoT
- Summary of current trends in tangible interaction
- Identification of eight properties of tangible interaction that can be leveraged for designing interactions with IoT objects
- Systematic literature review on tangible interaction applied to IoT systems and identification of future areas for exploration
- Potential benefits and challenges associated with tangible interaction in the context of IoT

## Summary

The paper titled "Internet of Tangible Things (IoTT): Challenges and Opportunities for Tangible Interaction with IoT" discusses the increasing number of household devices and everyday objects that are connected to the Internet in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT). While these devices offer innovative services, they often provide only smartphone or web interfaces for controlling their properties and functions. This disconnects the interaction from the physical world, leading to a decrease in user experience and an increased risk of isolating users in digital bubbles. To address this issue, the authors argue for the use of tangible interaction as a way to counteract this trend. They introduce the concept of the "Internet of Tangible Things" to emphasize the need for tangible interactions with IoT objects. The paper analyzes current challenges in Human-Computer Interaction within IoT and summarizes current trends in tangible interaction. The authors identify eight properties of tangible interaction that can be leveraged to design novel interactions with IoT objects. They also conduct a systematic literature review to explore what has already been done in terms of tangible interaction applied to IoT systems and identify future areas for exploration. Overall, this paper highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with tangible interaction in the context of IoT. By bridging the gap between digital interfaces and physical objects, tangible interaction has the potential to enhance user experience and create more meaningful interactions with IoT devices.