Touch-sensitive surfaces offer an intuitive and flexible form of interaction, for example through gesture input. Despite being the primary input modality for mobile devices, they hardly find application in desktop settings. At the same time, the computer mouse is still the most efficient and accurate input device for pointing. Consequently, keeping the unmatched functionality of a mouse but extending it with new input options via a touch-sensitive surface, is a promising approach. While research prototypes and niche products for multi-touch mice exist, the concept has not yet become established. In this work, we follow a user-centered approach towards touch interaction on computer mice.
In a user study (n=12), we identified which areas on the mouse are suitable for touch input. Further, we explored potential usage scenarios in a diary study (n=11) and intuitive gestures in an elicitation study (n=10). We compile our findings into a gesture set which future research can build upon to implement touch interaction on computer mice.