Fluidic Control

Abstract

Fluidic interfaces use liquids to sense, compute, and output a dynamic appearance or behavior in response to mechanical deformation inputs.
Integrating logic and user-actuated control mechanisms in the interfaces can, in the future, enable to achieve more complex dynamic behaviors for designing interactive artifacts that are entirely analog and fluidic driven, opening the space for more nuanced interactions to be envisioned and integrated into the artifacts.

Employing material jetting 3D printing as a manufacturing process, the project aims to expand the design space and computation & interaction possibilities of fluidic interfaces as programmable (meta-)materials, by expanding the possibilities of user-controlled interaction with the artifacts.

As final outcome, two prototypes with programmable dynamic appearance and tangible, user-actuated controls are developed, showcasing the capabilities of fluidic interfaces and the possibility of designing these artifacts for specific user-controlled experiences.
The potential future applications of fluidic interfaces are explored through the application of the Context Variation by Design methodology, and expert interviews, applying the Material Driven Design approach. This investigation lays the foundation for further research and practical implementations in the field of interaction design.
Through the exploration of logic implementation and tangible control mechanisms for 3D printed fluidic interfaces, this master thesis aims to generate valuable knowledge for the field of HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) and Digital Fabrication, highlighting the possibilities and challenges of integrating fluidic interfaces into future applications.
The project contributes to the ongoing research on meta-materials and Tangible (analog) User Interfaces in HCI in the hope of inspiring new research and design initiatives that can lead to the integration of this technology in people’s life.