LineFORM and ChainFORM, actuated curve interfaces, robot snakes, Tangible Media Group, MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

LineFORM is a novel Shape Changing Interface which has the form of a “Line". Lines have several interesting characteristics from the perspective of interaction design: abstractness of data representation; a variety of inherent interactions / affordances; and constraints as boundaries or borderlines. By utilising such aspects of lines together with the added capability of shape-shifting, we present various applications in different scenarios such as shape changing cords, mobiles, body constraints, and data manipulation to investigate the design space of line-based shape changing interfaces.

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We present ChainFORM: a linear, modular, actuated hardware system as a novel platform for shape changing interface. Using rich sensing and actuation capability, this modular hardware system allows users to construct and customize a wide range of interactive applications. Modules are equipped with touch detection on multiple surfaces, angular detection, visual output, and motor actuation. Each module includes a servo motor wrapped with a flexible circuit board with an embedded microcontroller.
Leveraging the modular functionality, we introduce novel interaction capability with shape changing interfaces, such as rearranging the shape/configuration and attaching to passive objects and bodies. This project intends to expand the design space for interaction with actuated curve interface in LineFORM using advanced hardware design.
Credits:
Ken Nakagaki, Artem Dementyev, Sean Follmer, Joseph A. Paradiso, Hiroshi Ishii
MIT Media Lab, Tangible Media Group, Responsive Environment Group
Stanford University

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