LightMeUp: Back-print Illumination Paper Display with Multi-stable Visuals

Abstract

Despite the drive to digitise learning, paper still holds a prominent role within educational settings. While computational devices have several advantages over paper (e.g. changing and showing content based on user interaction and needs) their prolonged or incorrect usage can hinder educational achievements. In this paper, we combine the interactivity of computational devices with paper whilst reducing the usage of technology to the minimum. To this end, we developed and evaluated a novel back-print illumination paper display called LightMeUp where different information printed on the back side of the paper becomes visible when paper is placed on an interactive display and back-illuminated with a particular colour. To develop this novel display, we first built a display simulator that enables the simulation of various spectral characteristics of the elements used in the system (i.e. light sources such as tablet computers, paper types and printing inks). By using our simulator, we designed various use-case prototypes that demonstrate the capabilities and feasibility of the proposed system. With our simulator and use-cases presented, educators and educational content designers can easily design multi-stable interactive visuals by using readily available paper, printers and touch displays.