Unbounded: Object-Boundary Interactions in Mixed Reality

2025-09-12

AI Summary

Prior mixed reality (MR) research largely overlooks the interactive potential of physical boundaries—such as walls, doors, and windows—as active design elements. Method: This paper introduces “Object-Boundary Interactions” (OBIs) as a novel conceptual framework, treating physical boundaries not as passive constraints but as first-class interactive surfaces. We propose *Unbounded*, a design space grounded in this perspective, and employ Research through Design to develop eight cross-context MR interaction prototypes. These were iteratively refined through deep co-creation and qualitative evaluation with six MR experts. Contribution/Results: The study expands the semantic and expressive dimensions of MR interaction design, redefining physical boundaries as active mediators rather than static limits. It establishes a new theoretical and practical paradigm for MR human–computer interaction, enabling richer spatially grounded interactions and opening avenues for boundary-aware MR systems.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction
• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: User modeling and simulation for interactive and conversational systems
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health

Abstract

Boundaries such as walls, windows, and doors are ubiquitous in the physical world, yet their potential in Mixed Reality (MR) remains underexplored. We present Unbounded, a Research through Design inquiry into Object-Boundary Interactions (OBIs). Building on prior work, we articulate a design space aimed at providing a shared language for OBIs. To demonstrate its potential, we design and implement eight examples across productivity and art exploration scenarios, showcasing how boundaries can enrich and reframe everyday interactions. We further engage with six MR experts in one-on-one feedback sessions, using the design space and examples as design probes. Their reflections broaden the conceptual scope of OBIs, reveal new possibilities for how the framework may be applied, and highlight implications for future MR interaction design.

Problem

• Exploring object-boundary interactions in mixed reality
• Designing framework for physical boundaries like walls
• Enriching everyday MR interactions through boundaries

Innovation

• Object-Boundary Interactions design space
• Eight examples across productivity scenarios
• Engaging experts via design probes