A graphical user interface system may position and orient a user interface element to be displayed on an optically-sensitive display surface. The position of the object may be based on the position of a point of contact that an object (e.g., a person's finger, a block of wood, etc.) makes against the display surface. The orientation of the object may be determined using the shadow cast by the object on the surface. An axis may be determined between the shadow and the point of contact, and the axis may be used as a frame of reference (e.g., a vertical axis) for the orientation of the interface element. Further movement of the object and/or shadow can either result in further movement/reorientation of the interface, or as an actual input to the interface. If used for an actual input, the interface may be fixed at its initial position and orientation to allow the additional movement to be interpreted.