In this paper, we present the novel concept of ephemeral user interfaces. Ephemeral user interfaces contain at least one user interface (UI) element that is intentionally created to last for a limited time only and typically incorporate materials that evoke a rich and multisensory perception, such as water, fire, soap bubbles or plants. We characterize the term "ephemeral user interface" and, based on a review of existing user interfaces that fall into this research area but have not been discussed under one common term before, we present a design space for ephemeral user interfaces providing a terminology for (a) materials for ephemeral UI elements, (b) interaction and (c) aspects of ephemerality. This paper contributes to the ongoing research on materiality of user interfaces as well as on conceptualizing visionary interaction styles with novel materials.

A design space for ephemeral user interfaces

High‐temperature photochemical hole burning (PHB) and laser‐induced hole filling were studied for dye‐doped polymer systems focusing on the capability of hole formation at 80 K. Hole area of a hole burnt at 4.2 K was almost conserved after cycle annealing up to 80 K irrespective of the capability of hole formation at 80 K. The extent of spectral diffusion also hardly affected this capability. Furthermore, it was not suggested to be the homogeneous width alone that affects the capability of hole formation at 80 K. Important factor for hole formation at 80 K is elucidated to be the suppression of the laser‐induced hole filling at 80 K.

High‐temperature photochemical hole burning and laser‐induced hole filling in dye‐doped polymer systems

Wavelength and polarization dependence of spectral hole-burning efficiency in highly oriented J-aggregates

High temperature spectral hole burning on porphyrins grafted to sol-gel matrices

It is difficult to dynamically change the optical properties of ordinary screens. In conventional projection systems, the choice of screens is limited; and the brightness of projected images and the viewing angle are unalterable once a screen is fixed, even though demand for altering the viewing angle according to the locations and the requirements of installations exists.

The results of a study conducted by us indicate that a colloidal membrane can be used as a screen by vibrating it at a high frequency using ultrasonic waves. On the basis of those results, in this paper we discuss the implementation of a screen that allows us to dynamically change its brightness and view angle. We also discuss our investigation of its optical characteristics.

Our investigations reveal that the screen can be deformed by stronger ultrasonic waves, frames of various shapes can be used to create it, and that we can interact with it by inserting our fingers because it is made of colloidal solution.

Theory and Application of the Colloidal Display: Programmable Bubble Screen for Computer Entertainment

Frequency dependence of quantum efficiency for hole formation in photochemical hole-burning for dye-doped polymer systems

Photochemical hole burning of tetraphenylporphine derivatives: relationship between the quantum efficiency for hole formation and chemical structure of tetraphenylporphine derivatives

Photochemical hole burning (PHB) of free‐base tetraphenylporphin (TPP) in epoxy resin was performed at 4.2–80 K. Effect of crosslinked structure of the epoxy resin on the dephasing time T2, low‐energy excitation modes, and the temperature dependence of Debye–Waller factor were studied through the PHB measurements. The excellent thermal stability of TPP in epoxy resin including the hole burning above liquid‐nitrogen temperature (80 K) was demonstrated.

Photochemical hole burning of tetraphenylporphin in epoxy resin: Effect of crosslinked structure

Persistent spectral hole-burning with two-color excitation was performed at 20K for zinc-tetrabenzoporphin with crotonic acid in phenoxy resin. The presence of carboxylic acid provides the enhancement of hole formation by two-color excitation and the thermal stability of the rsulting holes, raising a non-photochemical hole burning with the rearrangement of strong hydrogen bonds in the carboxylic acid

Taro Suzuki

Papers

Frequency dependence of quantum efficiency for hole formation in photochemical hole-burning for dye-doped polymer systems

Photochemical hole burning of tetraphenylporphine derivatives: relationship between the quantum efficiency for hole formation and chemical structure of tetraphenylporphine derivatives

Photochemical hole burning of tetraphenylporphin in epoxy resin: Effect of crosslinked structure

Photon-Gated Persistent Spectral Hole-Burning of Zinc-Tetrabenzoporphin with Crotonic Acid in Phenoxy Resin.

"ephemeral melody": music played with wind and bubbles