Interactive Stained-Glass: Exploring a new design space of traditional hybrid crafts for novel fabrication methods

Stained-glass is a craft with a wealth of opportunities that blends seamlessly into our everyday environments. Despite sharing similar tools and materials with other types of hybrid crafting, authentic stained glass is underexplored in HCI. We introduce stained-glass to TUI researchers, explain the fabrication process thoroughly (using the traditional methods of both copper foil and lead came), and explore its potential as a conductive substrate for interactivity. We contribute fabrication techniques to support various circuit connection traces, light diffusion methods, interactivities, and aesthetic qualities. We also introduce three potential applications as proof of method validity in different contexts. We follow this with a discussion on experiential outcomes and the importance of creative practices in the development of interactive artefacts.