Search

We developed a shape-changing constructive kit, named Mimosa1. A key component of the toolkit is the modular hinges, each of which is equipped with two antagonistic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. One wire deforms the hinge to approach its predetermined angle at high temperature, and another wire drives the hinge back when it cools down. Hinge leaves are available in different materials including acrylic, cardboard and textile, which increases the versatility of the toolkit. Every hinge weighs 2.1-5.4 g, and generates up to 5.7 N actuation force. A Bluetooth control module was developed, enabling remote control of the shape-changing objects. Mimosa aims to inspire designers to explore and create interactive shape-morphing objects with SMAs. A few examples are given such as a gripper, a rolling robot, a butterfly, an airplane and a self-closing pocket. A workshop study with 6 participants showed that Mimosa indeed motivated and inspired the participants to create new ideas., Emerging Materials

This research navigates the nuanced implications and intricate experiences tied to interacting with a shape-changing artifact conveying intimate data. The project follows an autobiographical soma design process where first-person exploration formed the design of The Pillow. The Pillow physically represents through its shape-changing elements, intimate data, particularly menstrual cycle data. I contribute an empirical study on the longer-term, in-situ deployment of shape-changing touch technology and present findings that capture the intimacy of the relationship cultivated with The Pillow over the course of two months. The Pillow’s shape-changing capability evoked emotional responses, including feelings of sadness and joy. The research suggests that establishing a connection through sensory engagement is a gradual process. Engaging with The Pillow through its dynamic touch fostered a deeper connection with the artifact, prompting more profound reflection on internal bodily changes, rather than solely relying on visual observation of the artifact. The study also uncovered that the way others interact with intimate data physicalization can impact the owner’s personal boundaries, highlighting the need for further exploration into individuals’ boundaries concerning the physicalization of intimate data in shared environments., Denna forskning navigerar de nyanserade implikationerna och komplexa upplevelserna knutna till interaktion med en formförändrande artefakt som förmedlar intim data. Projektet följer en autobiografisk soma-designprocess där förstapersonsutforskning formade designen The Pillow. The Pillow representerar fysiskt genom sina formförändrande element intim data, särskilt menstruationscykeldata. Jag bidrar med en empirisk studie om den långsiktiga, in-situdeploateringen av formförändrande touchteknik och presenterar resultat som fångar intimarelationen som utvecklats med The Pillow under två månader. The Pillow:s formförändrande förmåga framkallade känslomässiga reaktioner, inklusive känslor av sorg och glädje. Forskningen antyder att etablerandet av en koppling genom sensorisk engagemang är en gradvis process. Att engagera sig med kudden genom dess dynamiska beröring främjade en djupare koppling med artefakten och stimulerade djupare reflektion över interna kroppsförändringar, snarare än att enbart förlita sig på visuell observation av artefakten. Studien avslöjade också att sättet andra interagerar med fysisk representation av intim data kan påverka ägarens personliga gränser och understryker behovet av ytterligare utforskning av individernas gränser gällande fysisk representation av intim data i delade miljöer.