Shape-Changing Interfaces (Dagstuhl Seminar 17082)

Abstract

Shape-changing interfaces use physical shape change as input and output; such interfaces are emerging as an alternative way of interacting with computers. This seminar brought together researchers working on shape-changing interfaces to discuss three key themes: (1) The technologies involved in shape-change, including soft and modular robotics, smart materials, and mechanical actuation. (2) The design of shape-changing interfaces, including their key application areas, and their industrial and interaction design. (3) The user experience of shape-changing interfaces, including evaluations of such interfaces and psycho-physical evaluation results. The seminar set out to strengthen this new community, create opportunities for active collaborations, and to reach-out to other fields.

The seminar was attended by 25 researchers from around the world. These researchers represented the disciplines of Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Robotics and Material Science. This seminar had no formal presentations, but instead focused on working-group discussion and report-back sessions. This report outlines the key findings of these sessions.