Giving Material Properties to Interactive Objects: A Case Study of Tangible Cube Representing Digital Data

Abstract

Choosing the proper material may provide new interaction directions and increase functional and hedonic values. However, studies on how material properties can be used to represent digital data in interactive objects are limited. Therefore, our study utilizes five materials with two digital functions. The aim of the study is to understand the value that the materials and functions can offer from its interaction experience with materials. We created an interactive device, DayCube, to explore tangible interactions with digital data through various materials. We selected concrete, marble, wood, brass, and cork as the five materials and two digital functions, and we informed the current weather and schedule of the user. To conduct a user study, 10 users participated for two days, one hour per day. Participants used the DayCube about 30 to 40 minutes a day and interviewed about 20 minutes regarding the interaction experience. We found that DayCube shows possibilities on intriguing new visual-haptic interactions with materials, promoting quick encounters with digital data, and connecting functions through different material features. We articulated three discussions about using the sensorial properties of the material to design interactions, designing by an unexpected perception of materials, and maximizing the symbolic meaning of material with ambiguity. We suggested the future possibilities of connecting materiality with digital data. Our design and explorative study provide opportunities for designers to widen imaginations in material selection and support new ideations with the simplified process of information transmission using the materials' features.