In this studio, we will explore the potential of inflatables for tangible interfaces by designing and fabricating inflatable props using a highly versatile and low-cost technique.The WireShape prototyping process can be used by researchers, makers, designers, and artists for the rapid and reliable manufacturing of inflatables.Based on our previous work [2], we introduce an accessible method for creating inflatable user interface elements using hand-made heatsealing tools made from aluminum wire, applied to tpu-coated fabrics using a widely available T-shirt heat press.The resulting inflatable objects can be used as tangible artifacts for design and experience prototyping, or for the production of research prototypes.The proposed workshop will introduce participants to this method, focusing on the practical aspects of creating inflatables, and will enable participants to explore the potential of inflatables for unique and engaging interactions in the context of interaction design and data physicalisation.Through hands-on activities, we will demonstrate how to sketch and create inflatables for tangible interfaces and discuss their benefits, limitations, and the possible integration of sensor technology.As a studio at TEI25, our goal is to facilitate a space where HCI researchers and designers can collaborate, create, and discuss opportunities and challenges.

Inflatable interfaces are so far predominantly used for creating shape-change. There has not been much work yet on creating tactile textures in inflatables. We present a pneumatic approach for soft and malleable surfaces that can change texture. We describe the pattern design, the fabrication and actuation approach, and illustrate how one texture inflatable prototype was used for lab experiments, and indicate potential application areas.

We present pneuCNTRL, a system providing a programmable, precise air pressure control in a multi-channel setup with interactive actuated, soft and malleable inflatables which we used for studies on data physicalization. pneuCNTRL is a compact, easy-to-use, and affordable solution that allows researchers to quickly and accurately control shape and haptic properties of inflatable structures in HCI experimental studies. We describe its design and functionality, and summarize our experiences with its use in research and teaching. We also discuss potential benefits of pneuCNTRL, such as its ability to support a wide range of experimental designs and the exploration of novel research questions.

A growing body of work focuses on physicalisations based on personal, everyday data. Despite growing interest, little is known about how to educate people on their creation. We designed a teaching method of ’Data Diaries’, which consists of five representation assignments that move from visualising to physicalising personal data. The Data Diaries were used in a semester project, with the aim of creating an interactive physicalisation. We analysed the Data Diaries, written reports, and participant interviews. Our analysis shows that people need to overcome the challenge of using materiality to communicate data, which happens in four stages. Moreover, the materiality made participants realise that physicalisations do not focus on efficiency and accuracy, but on the story of the data, by referring to its origin, use of personal mappings, and reduction. As physicalisations blur the line between quantitative and qualitative, designing them engenders a change in our notion of ’data’.