Metal applicator


Oct. - Dec. 2023
Personal project
I explored the requirements of the action 'apply' and applicable material to create a physical controller for the metal application experience.






Background


We apply materials with drag and drop in 3D software, and materials that can be applied in reality, such as paint and wax, have their own application actions. Then, what physical action can be used to apply materials that can only be applied, such as metal?








Experiments


Through a series of experiments, I found out the direction of the application action and the keyword of 'pressure'.


Direction of the movement

By holding the material with the other hand and moving the opposite hand in the opposite direction, the material could be attached more naturally and stably.


Tool to apply

No matter what tool I used, force in the vertical direction was needed when Applying.


Way to hold

Applying force to the front of the material using the fingers gave the feeling of 'rubbing' or 'applying on a small area,' while using the bottom of the palm felt like a general applying action.



Surface to apply






Prototyping


Prototype A

During the experiment, it was found that the pressure in the vertical direction and the temperature that changedthe texture into suitable for application were factors for Apply. Based on this, a prototype was made using the sponge, a material that attracts users to apply pressure without explanation.




Prototype B

As a second prototype, I built various types of prototypes with pressure and temperature as inputs. I continued to use the sponge used in the first prototype, attached a pressure sensor to the prototype, and received numerical values during user testing.



Prototype C

During the development of the second prototype, I discovered that applying more pressure with the palm can be achieved if the hand covers the controller. To achieve this, I experimented with a comfortable-to-hold shape using pink foam. Furthermore, I used thin MDF for the floor based on the comment that it would be better to be smoother when moving the device.







Prototype D

For the final prototype, a temperature sensor was installed on the surface to detect body temperature. Also, a pressure sensor was placed inside. To improve the feeling of applying, I added a felt between the pink foam and the MDF replacing a sponge.






Seoul, South Korea