"I don't want to break it": An Exploration of Perceived Fragility in Shape-Changing Interfaces
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
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.
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Simon Fraser University, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut polytechnique de Grenoble, Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies du numérique, Laboratoire Jean Kuntzmann, Laboratoire d'Informatique de Grenoble, University of Bristol, Pôle de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur Université de Grenoble
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche
OpenAlex ID: W7134040291