The difficulty of accessing information details while preserving context has generated many different focus-incontext techniques. A common limitation of focus-incontext techniques is their ability to work well at high magnification. We present a set of improvements that will make high magnification in context more feasible. We demonstrate new distortion functions that effectively integrate high magnification within its context. Finally, we show how lenses can be used on top of other lenses, effectively multiplying their magnification power in the same manner that a magnifying glass applied on top of another causes multiplicative magnification. The combined effect is to change feasible detail-in-context magnification factors from less than 8 to more than 40.

Abstract. Large horizontal displays provide new opportunities to support individual and collaborative activities such as creativity and organizational tasks. We present Interface Currents, a fluid interaction technique designed to support face-to-face collaboration by improving access to and sharing of workspace items. Interface Currents are flexible containers that provide a controllable flow of interface items that support creativity during collaborative tasks and enable intuitive organization and sharing of digital information around horizontal displays.

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