We are interested in the challenge that the ever increasing
use of capacitive touchscreens represent. This is
because they rely on the electrical properties of the human
skin, which changes over time, often becoming less conductive
with age. So, we consider the potentially increasing problem this
would represent, with a layered model of skin interactions, as a
frame from which to conceptualise different classes of approaches
and better understand the design requirements. Conscious of
the need to retain a sense of touch, rather than a stylus with
a conductive tip or gloves with conductive finger tips, we then
propose suitable thimbles for touchscreens. We conceptualised a
touchscreen thimble to be worn on the body that would maintain
a sense of touch. So it would be a pros-palliare, rather than a
prosthesis. Developing a proof of concept prototype consisting
of a rigid base combined with a conductive fabric for the
finger tip, to address the limitations we observed with existing
approaches. We conclude by considering the wider potential of
our idea in designing a preferable future for touchscreen use.
Including, the potential for multiple touchscreen thimbles to be
worn simultaneously to support multi-touch gestures, and for
them to be worn as an enhancement for able-bodied users.