Following on the heels of their ‘Advanced Multitouch’ patent application, Apple has filed a patent detailing a multi-touch device that would support a large number of gestures including typing, scrolling, pointing, and handwriting. The device would combine these gestures into a single mode-less ergonomic design.

From the filing:
“It should therefore appear modeless to the user in the sense that the user should not need to provide explicit mode switch signals such as buttonpresses, arm relocations, or stylus pickups before switching from one input activity to another. Epidemiological studies suggest that repetition and force multiply in causing repetitive strain injuries. Awkward postures, device activation force, wasted motion, and repetition should be minimized to improve ergonomics.”

The system would be able to detect a number of different hand configurations, allowing it to figure out what part of the users hand was interacting with it and reacting accordingly.

We think this advanced multi-touch system is really quite amazing. Devices like the iPhone and the Microsoft Surface have incredible possibilities for user interaction, and those devices only use a relatively simple form of multi-touch. This Apple patent gives light to a device with a much deeper level of gesturing than we have ever seen before, and we can’t wait to see what it looks like and how it works. Hurry up Apple, we want to get rid of our keyboards!

The Chute isn’t just a regular cell phone. It’s natural. It’s organic. It’s made out of… bamboo?

That’s right, designer Michael Laut has created this concept smartphone to convey a more relaxed and natural feeling. He believes that people would be much happier interacting with a more natural-looking phone, hence his choice of materials, ergonomic proportions, and even the on-screen display.

All of this while also using less plastic and more of a renewable resource. We say thumbs up and hope some phone manufacturer will pick up this design. Another picture after the jump. Read more »

Lite-On has designed a concept mouse that lets you mold it into whatever shape is comfortable. It is made of lightweight modeling clay with a flexible polyurethane and nylon fabric cover.

Not only can you change the shape of the mouse, you can also move the buttons around. The clickers are radio-frequency controlled and can be stuck anywhere on the mouse. The touch-sensitive scroll pad can jump around too.

The concept was so innovative that it won a 2007 Red Dot Design Award in the category of Productivity and Work.

This mouse is absolutely great and we hope to see it come to life soon. It’s ergonomic, fun, and perfect for a long day of computing, not to mention the cool factor!

[Via DVICE]