Previous works on shape-changing interfaces have demonstrated that inflatable devices made from planar fabric are doted of various advantageous features, from robustness [1] to versatility [2,3]. The principle in those examples is to seal (most of the time using heat-sealing technology) two sheets of airproof fabric in a specific pattern to obtain a specific deformation when inflated. In aeronautics, where heavy mechanical devices are traditionally used [4], portability can be used as an advantage: deflated devices can be rolled up and are not submitted to breakage as other extra-light materials such as Styrofoam or aerogel silica can. It is also relevant in interaction since shape-changing interfaces can offer new dimensions for tangible interaction by providing dedicated form constraints or specific feedback.
Programming the controlled deformation of an inflatable shape-changing interface remains challenging. As of now, the design of such devices is complex, and the design primitives defined in previous works [2,3] exploring shape-changing behavior are either created with vast knowledge in mathematics and material science or rely on a long trial-and-error process. Furthermore, the fabrication is often performed manually, involves iterations, and is challenging to reproduce. We developed a pipeline that addresses these challenges. It relies on a modeling software simulating the result of any given sealing pattern and generating the files necessary to realize it depending on the chosen fabrication method. The fabrication can be done with equipment accessible in most maker spaces, such as soldering iron or laser plotter, as presented in [2]. Moreover, it does not require complex assembly like screws or nails and uses off-the-shelves or up-cycled materials from nylon fabric to chips bag [5].
We propose to conduct a workshop that explores this technique. We will rely on a set of computational tools that enable users to experiment with a set of primitives and allow easy fabrication. This exploration allows the creation of custom patterns and variations in a free-form workspace and simulates the resulting deformation.
We argue that manual fabrication is a great way to be familiar with the design opportunities, constraints, and capabilities of a process or a fabrication method. The users will manipulate and play with the identified primitives on pre-sealed pocked (Figure 1). Through this workshop, we aim to understand better this technique's opportunities and limitations and foster discussion among the HCI researchers.
This workshop is part of a more extensive study aiming at developing new tools for creating shape-changing devices. It intends to deepen our comprehension of the previous results con-cerning the limitation of the fabrication technique, the process, and the expected outcome and to gather valuable feedback from the HCI community.
In this workshop, we will explore shapes and functions developed by novice users in shapechange. As such, the goal is to:
• have finished shape • having feature oriented device • share knowledge in fabrication process among participants • explore and discuss a new tool with participants
The Workshop will be articulated in the following phases:
This workshop aims to host between 8 to 15 participants to cover comprehensive application cases while offering each one the possibility to experiment with the technique manually. No knowledge in fabrication processes is needed. Depending on attendance, the participant will be paired in groups of two to three.
Digital tools and materials used will be brought by the workshop organizer. It consists of soldering irons for the hands-on manipulation time and a custom-built machine to draw more accurate shapes and materials in the form of:
• Pre-made pocket to explore manually the design primitives • various material from nylon fabric TPU coated to mylar and other up-cycled materials from diverse sources.
Participants are required to bring their computer with a running rhino 7 software [6] the free demo version is sufficient.
The thirteen participants were divided into four groups of three to four. They were introduced to the design principle behind inflatable and left free to discuss what kind of device they wanted to develop during the workshop.
Each group came up with ideas exploiting different particularities of inflatable devices.
• One active scarecrow monster: a device that deploys violently to scare birds or other incommodities using inflation-induced movement. • One inflatable cushion: an inflatable cushion that can deploy everywhere, taking advantage of the device's two states (inflated and deflated). • One breathing/distress aid: the group used the slowness of the airflow as an advantage to press and relax while the user feel the air pass through a tight seam from one pouch to another. • Exploration of the textures changes through inflation. The group focused on the change in shape and feel of the material when inflated.
The participants reported an interest in simulating and visualizing their prototype on a computer however it was pulled back by the work-in-progress state of the software.
On the other hand, the physical manipulation did not come as a difficulty for the participants, who rapidly used their newly developed knowledge of the material to realize the prototype of their intended design.
At the same time as the physical prototyping part, the participants took on themselves to try and test their prototype, evaluating the success of their first intention. They graded their results on an average of three and a half on five, with nine out of ten evaluating it at three or higher.
Previous workshops were preliminary works oriented toward the field of aeronautics. In contrast, this one aims to extend it to a larger audience and explore the synergy possible with other fields. The goal was to grasp opportunities for HCI tangible interaction. Results of these workshops may have relevance in future paper publications.