An improved attribute determination process allows the sharpness of a surface attribute function to be adjusted on a per-object, per-surface, per-texture, per-function, or other appropriate basis. If the source item is a file, any conflicting items in a destination file directory are deleted and the file is moved from the source file directory to the destination file directory without copying the file. The polymer can be used instead of conventional passivation layers, thereby allowing a thin, low dielectric constant layer between the object touching the physical interface, and the capacitive sensing circuits underlying the polymer.