Transformable Physical Design Media
Keywords:
Human-Computer Interaction, Design Media, Hand Gesture Input, Augment Representation.
Computer-aided design tools have become an integral part of much architectural design practice, to the point where design is heavily dependent on the assistance of these tools. But current computer-aided design tools are fundamentally limited by the WIMP (windows, icons, menus, and pointer) interface, reliant on 2d input and output. Design of buildings and other 3D objects via 2D workflow is slowed by the conversions that designers must make. In this paper, we explore the potential of transformable physical design media through two design tool prototypes: Integrated spatial gesture-based direct 3D modeling and display system (InSpire), and tangible objects based massing study tool kits (CuBe). Both of these design tool prototypes allow designers to develop their design within a fully 3d environment with optical and haptic references, so that the interaction between designer and design object become much more intuitive and direct. We conclude by discussing some related subjects in the domain of HCI and argue that transformable physical design media represent a desirable solution for enhancing design experience. Architects and designers could benefit from the usage of transformable physical design media, especially during the early phases of architectural design by allowing designers to efficiently alter the topology properties.
Created by:
Teng Teng, Brian Johnson
Research Paper:
Teng, T., Brian, J., “Transformable Physical Design Media” in: Real Time [The Proceedings of eCAADe 2015 (Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe) International Conference] Vienna, Austria, 16-18 September 2015, pp. 45-54
[pdf download]