''I don't want to break it'': An Exploration of Perceived Fragility in Shape-Changing Interfaces

TL;DR

This research investigates how users perceive fragility in shape-changing interfaces, identifying key factors influencing these perceptions and providing a framework to improve perceived robustness in future designs.

Contribution

The paper introduces a framework for understanding perceived fragility in shape-changing interfaces and demonstrates how design dimensions affect user interaction and perception.

Findings

Key factors influencing perceived fragility identified

Design dimensions impact user manipulation and perception

Framework informs future SCI robustness improvements

Abstract

Shape-Changing Interfaces (SCIs) dynamically alter their form, an inherent characteristic that introduces fragility into their design. As a result, users' perceptions of an interface's fragility or its potential to move or break may influence their interaction, however the extent of this effect is unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study (N = 18) using video stimuli showcasing 20 existing SCIs. Through thematic analysis, we identified key factors impacting perceived fragility and formalized these into a framework. We then conducted a second study (N = 36) for which we fabricated SCIs that varied across selected fragility-related dimensions. We recorded user interactions and compared how the selected dimensions shaped manipulation of the objects and how they were considered by users. Together, these studies provide a structured foundational understanding of perceived fragility in SCIs and offer insights to enhance perceived robustness and inform future SCI development.