Metal Applicator
In 3D software, materials are applied instantly through drag and drop, seamlessly altering an object’s identity. In reality, material application requires physical effort and varies depending on the material’s properties. Fascinated by this contrast, I explored how the digital act of applying material could be reimagined as a tangible, embodied interaction, bridging the gap between digital and physical materiality.
Same direction with holding hand A
Same direction with holding hand B
Opposite direction from holding hand
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.
Hard sponge
Soft sponge
Jam spoon
Toothbrush
No matter what tool I used, force in the vertical direction was needed when applying.
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.
An experiment to conceptually explore the appropriate pressure and movement area required to apply metal as a material
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.
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.
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.
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.