Tangible user interfaces utilize our ability to interact with
everyday objects in order to manipulate virtual data.
Designers and engineers usually follow the rule “form
follows function”, they support an existing interaction with
a purpose-built interface. Still, we do not fully exploit the
expressiveness of forms, materials and shapes of the non-
digital objects we interact with. Therefore, we propose to
invert the design process: we empower materiality to
inspire the implementation of tangible interactions. Glass
objects were chosen as an example of culturally and
structurally rich objects: in a three-month workshop, these
glass objects were transformed into interactive artefacts. In
the paper, we present three resulting contributions: First, we
describe our inverted design process as a tool for the
stimulation of multidisciplinary development. Second, we
derive a list of material-induced interactions. Third, we
suggest form-related interactions as a means of designing
future tangible interfaces.
7th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction
