The Leap Motion hardware is deceptively simple – two infrared cameras and three LEDs, encased in a shell of glass and aluminum. However, as Leap Motion industrial designer Kyle Hay showed on our blog, our hardware is really a labor of love and years of development. We recently asked three of our hardware engineers about their work, experiences, and vision for the future of Leap Motion technology.

1. What excites you about the possibilities of 3D interaction?

Sam: I love the fact that our goal is to release this device into the wild and let customers and developers drive where the technology goes. We have ideas on how our technology will be used, but none of us really knows what use-cases customers will call for, and what developers will come up with.

2. What inspires you most about the Leap Motion Controller’s design?

Neeloy: Its simplicity. If anyone were to take one apart, he/she would find that the hardware is actually very simple. There’s nothing new or cutting-edge in the electronics. We’re just using old technology in a configuration that happens to allow us to track objects with sub-millimeter accuracy. Of course, we have plans to use newer, more cutting-edge hardware in the future to further improve the technology, but it’s inspiring to think about the amazing things you can do with the technology that is already out there.

3. What’s the greatest challenge you’ve overcome while working on the hardware?

Neeloy: The greatest challenge was to manage such a large hardware build with just the few people we have in our startup. Each person definitely put in the long hours, and did the job of what would be 10 people at any other company. Also, success would not have been possible without support from outside companies, and we really had to leverage the possibilities of the technology to get that support.

4. Now that the final hardware design is in place, what’s your next step?

Justin: Our next step is to make it cheaper and more robust, efficient, and reliable. We’re working on improving and expanding its manufacturing capabilities and reach. And we’re looking at embedded modules in laptops and other devices, a sequel to the current device, and perhaps other new tech.

5. What are your favorite applications for the Leap Motion Controller?

Justin: My favorite applications for the Leap Motion Controller are ones that allow me to have a creative output. Geco is my favorite “creative” app right now, as it has allowed me to easily combine my hobbies – music production, piano, and DJ – with my background in hardware design.

Sam: I’m not much of a gamer, but I do like Boom Ball, Sugar Rush, and Vitrun Air. I’m really looking forward to seeing the device integrated into CAD tools for more natural computer modeling interfaces, but I think the best applications will be the ones we haven’t even thought of yet.

6. What’s your vision for the future of human-computer interaction?

Sam: That’s hard to say. The mouse has been around for decades, and the keyboard has been around since the 1800s. I just think there’s got to be a better, more intuitive way for people to interact with their computers, and I’m hoping the Leap Motion Controller – or what it evolves into – will provide the solution.

Justin: My vision is a perfectly seamless experience – there should be no interface.

Neeloy: Forms of interaction that happen instantaneously with the least amount of effort from the user – blurring the barrier between the user and the technology. Instead of having to consciously think about what gesture to do, or which buttons to click, the user should just think about what he/she wants to do and be able to do it.

7. Why do you work at Leap Motion?

Justin: I finally have the chance to work on a product that I’ve been passionate about for a very long time. For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with an extremely intelligent group of people who have a chance to make a lasting impact on the entire world.

Justin Schunick is a hardware engineer, Sam Gordon is a hardware and firmware engineer, and Neeloy Roy is an electrical engineer. They’re all part of our superstar hardware team at Leap Motion.