FLOKI Features - The Basics

The Basics

In our last post, we briefly mentioned that FLOKI is a two-stage input system. From our sneak-peek video clip, you've seen that the process uses a "call-up" phase and an "entry" phase. What this does is save space, instead of needing 2 different keyboards (one for letters and one for numbers and special characters), each requiring 34 keys. There is clearly insufficient space for a full QWERTY keyboard on a watch face.

Screen capture of the Windows Phone virtual touchscreen keyboard for emailing.

For skilled typists, the virtual QWERTY is always fairly quick and easy, even when forced to use a single finger, and the miniaturization of the keys on the smartphone. This is simply because skilled typists have the QWERTY system memorized and mapped out and thus, do not have to regularly hunt for each key. However, for a bad typist, the QWERTY pattern really holds no benefit.

The Two-Step

With all virtual touchscreen keyboards, life without autocomplete is impossible. Yet, for entering passwords that are more secure, caps, numbers, and special characters are essential. Typing in usernames and passwords can become a major hassle for two main reasons: 1) autocomplete would rather you typed something else in; and 2) having to switch constantly between different keyboards. Although, the simple fact is that adding an extra step makes gives us many more degrees of freedom.

Six Button Solution

To create a functional system that works in confined spaces, the number of buttons has to be kept to a minimum, and every possibility has to be considered. Buttons provide is the opportunity for pairs of buttons to be pressed simultaneously, increasing the number of options in the system. Here's the bare-bones design. Breaking the buttons into left and right columns allows the assignment of letters on one column and numbers on another.

Six button watch face design.

Once pairs of buttons are in play, the number of input options is greatly increased. In the next image, you can see how combinations of L1 + L2, L1 + L3, pressed simultaneously allows additional options to be introduced without the need for more buttons that would only clog up the screen.

Using button pairs as inputs.

Typing with FLOKI

Let's take our first step and start by typing in the lowercase letter 'a' using the system. The two steps are simple, all one has to do is press the 'abcdef' button first. This calls up prompt and all of the buttons are reassigned. Pushing the same button again is the equivalent of pressing the 'a' key on a keyboard.

Two steps to type the letter 'a'

The same process works for entering numbers. A push of the '0-9' button calls up an entirely new watch face that allows the entry of numbers. All the necessary numbers from zero through nine can be  represented with the six keys and key pairs.

To steps to type in the number 5

This two-stage input allows users to switch back-and-forth seamlessly between letters, numbers, and special characters. Just like a standard keyboard, instead of having to repeat the two-stage process to type in the same letter or number twice, holding down the button for the Step 2 will mean that the desired number or letter continues to be entered until the user stops pressing the button. 

 

Here's how you type with FLOKI (in slow motion).

COMING UP NEXT -->  Gesture inputs!