The Leap Motion movement for 2D pointing tasks: Characterisation and comparison to other devices

In this paper we present the results from an experiment designed to characterize the Leap Motion movement in 2D pointing tasks and compare it to a mouse and touchpad. We used the ISO 9241-9 multi-directional tapping test for comparing the devices, and we analyse the results using standard throughput and error rate measures as well as additional accuracy measures such as target re-entry, task axis crossing, movement direction change, orthogonal direction change, movement variability, movement offset, and movement error. We also present the results from the ISO 9241-9 assessment of comfort questionnaire, and our observations from the participants postures when using the Leap Motion device. Results indicate that the Leap Motion performs poorly in these tasks when compared to a mouse or touchpad.