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Distributable user interfaces enable users to distribute user interface interaction objects (i.e. panels, buttons, input fields, checkboxes, etc.) across different displays using a set of distribut...

The Collaborative Map Explorer defines a new learning artifact that allows students to explore different layers of information related to a geographical location on a map using distributed user interfaces in the same space at the same time. Students are able to manipulate geographical information using viewports that can be moved over a map that is projected on a shared surface (i.e. multitouch surface). Each viewport exposes different layers of information for a particular region on the map. These information layers are selected by the student using a mobile device. Consequently, the use of a distributed user interface provides students with the ability to address local and shared information at the same time in the same space in a Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Environment. The article also includes a preliminary usability evaluation of this interaction technique that exposes the potential of this solution.

This article explores the key points regarding the development of distributed user interfaces to present the features that are not covered by traditional development processes and how these features are characterized. A transversal approach to tackle these new issues is also proposed. This introductory article aims to present also a resume of the main topics covered in this special issue that gathers a thorough selection of the best papers presented at the first workshop on distributed user interfaces. The goal of this workshop is to promote the discussion about the emerging topic of distribute user interfaces, answering a set of key questions: what, when, how, and why distribute a user interface among different devices to improve users' interaction.