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
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.
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.







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.
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.









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.
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.
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.
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.
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.






