Ghanaian developer’s free Gesture app lets users control a laptop with hand movements
A Ghanaian developer based in the UK has created a free app that lets people move their cursor, click and scroll on a laptop using only hand gestures, with no mouse or trackpad required.
The app, called Gesture, was developed by Jacob Diameh. It provides hands-free control for Mac and Windows, and uses the laptop’s built-in camera to let users move the pointer, click, scroll and switch desktops. It is another step towards transforming human-computer interaction.
“For me, it was about rethinking something we have taken for granted for decades: the way we interact with our computers,” said Jacob.
“For years, we have relied on keyboards, mice, and trackpads to communicate with our devices. These tools have served us incredibly well, but as technology continues to evolve, I began thinking about a simple question: What if interacting with a computer could be as natural as moving your hands? … What if your hands could become another way to communicate with your computer? That question sparked the idea behind Gesture.”
Born in the lecture hall
The idea also grew out of Jacob’s professional life. He has spent close to a decade in higher education as a member of teaching staff and programme coordinator, and has spoken at various conferences. In that world, audio-visual presentations are the order of the day, both in person and virtual.
“During my lectures and presentations, I realised I used different devices for presentations, which sometimes could be cumbersome. I thought of a way to simplify this to make such presentations much more seamless without the need for constantly touching my keyboard or mouse.”
“The ambition was simple: make technology feel more natural, convenient, and accessible.
“But Gesture represents something bigger to me than controlling a cursor with your fingers. It reflects my belief that innovation does not always require inventing something entirely new. Sometimes, it means looking at something familiar and asking whether we can make it better.”
A career in project management
Jacob currently leads programmes focused on project management, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and project management design.
Before that, he was a lecturer at the University of Lincoln, where he also served as School Student Engagement Lead and Chair of the International Staff Network.
He has been recognised by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with Global Talent status in the field of engineering project management. His professional credentials include Fellow of Advance HE (FHEA), PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
Jacob holds Master of Science degrees in International Business (Distinction) and Accounting and Finance (Distinction), both from the University of Lincoln, and a BSc in Management with Computing from Regent University College of Science and Technology.
He has authored more than 10 journal articles, academic and conference papers, and has supervised more than 500 undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and research projects. He is also the founder of the Lincolnshire Black Community Network, which has grown to more than 600 active members and promotes engagement and inclusion.
How it works
Gesture is controlled with a handful of simple movements. Raising an index finger moves the pointer, and pinching the thumb and index finger clicks, or drags when held. Two raised fingers scroll, a palm swipe switches desktops, and holding a fist for a second and a half pauses or resumes the app. No additional hardware is needed.
Gesture also has a remote-control feature that works through a video call. The host activates it and points their laptop’s camera at the phone on which the call is running. The person on the call can then control the host’s laptop with their own hand gestures. When the call ends, that person is automatically disconnected, and the feature works only through a video call.
A key feature of Gesture is that its gesture control does not require an internet connection. It uses powerful machine learning models, which Jacob trained himself to make the experience seamless. It runs silently in the background and is called on only when needed.
Privacy
On the issue of privacy, Jacob had this to say:
“As we build more intelligent applications, privacy must remain part of the conversation. I wanted Gesture to explore an approach that prioritises local processing and offline functionality, reducing the need to send camera data to external servers. Technology should not only be useful; people should also feel confident about how it works and how their data is handled.”
According to the product’s promotional material, nothing is recorded and the app works offline.
Where to get it
Gesture is free to download for Windows and Mac. It was developed through Promintal Consulting Limited, the UK-registered company owned by Jacob, and is offered free of charge. Users can find out more at www.promintal.com, or try Gesture live in their browser first at gesture.promintal.com.
What users say
Feedback gathered by Jacob from early users has been positive.
Amobea Bosomprah, a PhD student at the University of Lincoln in the UK, said: “I find Gesture a practical and innovative tool for improving my productivity. Being able to move my cursor, click, scroll, and switch desktops using simple hand gestures makes working on my laptop more convenient. I particularly appreciate that it works through my built-in camera without needing additional hardware. Gesture is a smart solution for making everyday computer use easier and more efficient.”
Madhurya Jagadeesh, a senior software developer, said: “I genuinely enjoyed trying out Gesture. As a software developer, I’m always excited by technology that makes everyday tasks easier. Being able to control my computer with simple hand movements felt surprisingly natural and refreshing. I love the creativity behind this idea and can see myself using it more often. Definitely a clever piece of innovation.”
Dr Enoch Opare Mintah, a lecturer in the UK, said: “Gesture is an exciting innovation. I particularly like the idea of interacting with my computer without constantly relying on a mouse or keyboard. It offers a fresh, convenient approach to digital interaction, with real potential in teaching and presentations. A brilliant concept.”
A vision of practical innovation
Jacob’s vision is to explore practical technology solutions that challenge conventional ways of doing things.
“As someone with years of experience in project management, innovation, and digital transformation, I believe some of the most exciting opportunities emerge when we combine curiosity with the courage to experiment.
“I don’t believe every idea needs to begin with a large team, significant investment, or a perfect plan. Sometimes, it starts with a question, a willingness to learn, and the determination to turn an idea into something real. Gesture is my attempt to turn that question into a practical experience.”
Jacob is also the founder of Promintal Impact Africa Business, the social impact arm of Promintal Consulting Limited. It was set up to develop free software and opportunities for Africans, and aims to contribute to a thriving African business ecosystem in which entrepreneurs can access the knowledge, technology, networks and capital needed to build successful and impactful businesses.
Technology at its best helps make life easier and better. The application of knowledge to solve everyday problems, by building and deploying technological innovations, must be encouraged and supported.
