Using a Mobile Device Fingerprint Sensor as a Gestural Input Device

With the spread of mobile device fingerprint sensors, there is an opportunity to allow interaction beyond biometric authentication on the same device. The fingerprint sensor can detect simple gestures, enabling an additional gestural input method. We conducted user research sessions with ten people to understand the usefulness of a fingerprint sensor that also functions as a gestural input device. We identified general user perceptions as well as reactions to specific gestures and interactions. We find that this concept has promise and point to gestures and interactions that can provide a compelling and useful new input method.