Deformable Controllers: Fabrication and Design to Promote Novel Hand Gestural Interaction Mechanisms

When compared to mainstream touch/button-centric devices, deformable devices enable a more organic and tangible way for human-computer interaction. This studio provides participants an opportunity to have hands-on experience in fabricating controllers that use various deformation inputs (e.g., bending, stretching), and promote novel interaction mechanisms using hand gestures. Participants will learn different types of deformation inputs and create their own sensors. They will work in groups to design deformable controllers using both the sensors they make in-session and/or pre-built ones, to afford novel hand gestural inputs beyond conventional touches and clicks. The main objectives of this studio are to facilitate exchange of experience in fabricating deformable sensors/materials, and to foster creativity in using such controllers as inputs with hand gestures.