This paper presents a longitudinal research-through-design inquiry into Nukabot, a fermenting interface designed to mediate the entangling relationship between humans and the invisible microbiome of nukadoko (Japanese fermented rice bran). As Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) shifts toward post-anthropocentric paradigms, there is a critical need for systems that foster care rather than control. We present a comprehensive analysis spanning two distinct studies: an initial short-term home study utilizing Maria Puig de la Bellacasa’s ethics of care, which established that the device elicits maintenance, affection, and obligation; and a subsequent longitudinal deployment (8 months) in a science museum and a fermentation specialty store. In the second phase, we implemented a Fermenting Design Model where the system’s behavior—specifically its voice prosody (Embodiment) and vocabulary (Grounding)—evolves based on microbial metabolic activity and community interaction. Our findings reveal the complex triadic entanglement between Human, Microbe, and Computational agents. We argue that friction in animistic representation design is essential for discerning agencies of biological and algorithmic others.

We propose ThermoCaress, a haptic device to create a stroking sensation on the forearm using pressure force and present thermal feedback simultaneously. In our method, based on the phenomenon of thermal referral, by overlapping a stroke of pressure force, users feel as if the thermal stimulation moves although the position of temperature source is static. We designed the device to be compact and soft, using microblowers and inflatable pouches for presenting pressure force and water for presenting thermal feedback. Our user study showed that the device succeeded in generating thermal referrals and creating a moving thermal illusion. The results also suggested that cold temperature enhance the pleasantness of stroking. Our findings contribute to expanding the potential of thermal haptic devices.

Despite the recent growth in popularity of personal mobility devices (e.g., e-scooters and e-skateboards), they still suffer from limited safety and narrow design form factors, due to their rigid structures. On the other hand, inflatable interfaces studied in human-computer interaction can achieve large volume change by simple inflation/deflation. Inflatable structure also offers soft and safe interaction owing to material compliance and diverse fabrication methods that lead to a wide range of forms and aesthetics. In this paper, we propose poimo, a new family of POrtable and Inflatable MObility devices, which consists of inflatable frames, inflatable wheels, and inflatable steering mechanisms made of a mass-manufacturable material called drop-stitch fabric. First, we defined the basic material properties of a drop-stitch inflatable structure that is sufficiently strong to carry a person while simultaneously allowing soft deformation and deflation for storage and portability. We then implemented an interactive design system that can scan the user's desired riding posture to generate a customized personal mobility device and can add the user's shape and color preferences. To demonstrate the custom-design capability and mobility, we designed several 3D models using our system and built physical samples for two basic templates: a motorcycle and a wheelchair. Finally, we conducted an online user study to examine the usability of the design system and share lessons learned for further improvements in the design and fabrication of poimo.