Interaction through programmable soft materials
2024.
Résumé
Shape-changing user interfaces (SCIs) are gaining attention in human-computer interaction (HCI) for their adaptability to data, tasks, environments, and users. SCIs can also change their shapes for various purposes, including information communication, user augmentation, object simulation, and hedonic or symbolic purposes. The advent of programmable soft materials has given HCI researchers the tools to design highly flexible SCIs. Soft materials like silicone particularly attract HCI researchers’ interest due to their compatibility with the human body for wearable applications and their significant shape-morphing capabilities. However, there needs to be more understanding of how users perceive the shapes of SCIs made from soft materials and the impact of these materials' softness on users' shape perception abilities. Additionally, the possibilities and challenges of constructing SCIs in soft materials remain largely unexplored.This Ph.D. thesis addresses three main research questions: (1) How do users perceive SCIs made from soft materials? (2) What types of SCIs can be developed using soft materials, and what are the associated challenges? (3) What are the potential applications for SCIs made from soft materials? To answer these questions, a psychophysical experiment is conducted to investigate users’ shape perception abilities with surfaces of different softness. Next, the potential and challenges of creating SCIs with programmable soft materials are explored, and a new technology that enables the construction of soft SCIs with adjustable strength is also developed. Finally, an HCI application featuring novel SCIs made from programmable soft materials is presented, demonstrating how surfaces on the back of a smartwatch can change the shapes for notification applications.