Reconfigurable Interfaces by Shape Change and Embedded Magnets

Reconfigurable physical interfaces allow users to quickly customize them to meet specific needs or preferences without the need for costly refabrication or part replacements. This paper introduces a reversible shape-changing mechanism for 3D printed structures that uses translations and rotations of parts, facilitated by magnets and the thermoplastic properties of heated polymer. These tangible interfaces provide precise haptic feedback and adaptable user interactions through reconfigurable input motions. The design space is explored and demonstrated in applications such as rehabilitation, communication, accessibility, safety, and gaming.

@inproceedings{10.1145/3613904.3642802,
  author = {Deshpande, Himani and Han, Bo and Moon, Kongpyung (Justin) and Bianchi, Andrea and Zheng, Clement and Kim, Jeeeun},
  title = {Reconfigurable Interfaces by Shape Change and Embedded Magnets},
  year = {2024},
  publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
  address = {New York, NY, USA},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642802},
  doi = {10.1145/3613904.3642802},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
  articleno = {325},
  numpages = {12},
  series = {CHI '24}
}