Cubit
Stefan Hechenberger and Addie Wagenknecht created CUBIT to demystify multi-touch technology through open-source collaboration. They designed the system for Nortd Labs with a clear goal in mind. The pair wanted to make complex touch interfaces accessible to everyone. Their approach relied on sharing code openly rather than keeping it secret. This decision set the project apart from other proprietary systems of that era. The designers believed that transparency would accelerate innovation across the industry.
The TouchKit developer kits required users to supply their own projector and camera at a significant estimated cost. Buyers faced an expense ranging between 1,080 and 1,580 USD for these external components. Nortd Labs did not include the projection or capture hardware inside the box. Customers had to source these items separately before they could use the interface. This strategy kept the base kit price lower but increased the total investment needed. Many early adopters found themselves managing multiple pieces of equipment to get the system running.
By mid-2008, the system was available for sale by commission with rumored waiting lists of two to three months. As of the 2nd of May 2008, Nortd Labs began accepting orders for the TouchKit developer kits. The demand for the system outpaced the ability of the small team to fulfill requests quickly. Potential buyers often waited weeks or months just to receive their initial units. This scarcity created a sense of exclusivity around the technology among early tech enthusiasts. The commission-only sales model meant customers paid directly for custom builds rather than buying off a shelf.
CUBIT functioned as a direct competitor to the proprietary Microsoft Surface interface system. While Microsoft focused on closed-source solutions, Hechenberger and Wagenknecht chose an open path. Their project offered an alternative for developers who wanted full control over their multi-touch applications. The rivalry highlighted different philosophies regarding how touch interfaces should be built and distributed. Critics noted that CUBIT provided more flexibility despite having fewer resources than the corporate giant. This competition pushed both sides to refine their respective technologies in unique ways.
Nortd Labs utilized an open-source model for both software and hardware to encourage community development. Stefan Hechenberger and Addie Wagenknecht believed that sharing designs would lead to better results. They released specifications so others could modify and improve the system without permission barriers. This approach allowed universities and independent makers to experiment with the technology freely. The community grew by contributing new features back into the public domain. Such collaboration helped demystify the inner workings of multi-touch devices for a wider audience.
Common questions
Who created the CUBIT multi-touch computer user interface system?
Stefan Hechenberger and Addie Wagenknecht created CUBIT to demystify multi-touch technology through open-source collaboration. They designed the system for Nortd Labs with a clear goal in mind.
When did Nortd Labs begin accepting orders for the TouchKit developer kits?
As of the 2nd of May 2008, Nortd Labs began accepting orders for the TouchKit developer kits. The demand for the system outpaced the ability of the small team to fulfill requests quickly.
What was the estimated cost range for external components required by the CUBIT TouchKit developer kits?
Buyers faced an expense ranging between 1,080 and 1,580 USD for these external components. Nortd Labs did not include the projection or capture hardware inside the box.
How does CUBIT differ from the Microsoft Surface interface system?
CUBIT functioned as a direct competitor to the proprietary Microsoft Surface interface system while offering an open path instead of closed-source solutions. Their project offered an alternative for developers who wanted full control over their multi-touch applications.
Why did Stefan Hechenberger and Addie Wagenknecht choose an open-source model for CUBIT?
The designers believed that transparency would accelerate innovation across the industry. They released specifications so others could modify and improve the system without permission barriers.