In this paper, we present a metamaterial structure called thermoformable cells, TF-Cells, to enrich thermoforming for post-print modification. So far, thermoforming is limitedly applied for modifying a 3D printed object due to its low thermal conductivity. TF-Cells consists of beam arrays that affluently pass hot air and have high heat transference. Through heating the embedded TF-Cells of the printed object, users can modify not only the deeper area of the object surface but also its form factor. With a series of technical experiments, we investigated TF-Cells’ thermoformability, depending on their structure’s parameters, orientations, and heating conditions. Next, we present a series of compound cells consisting of TF-Cells and solid structure to adjust stiffness or reduce undesirable shape deformation. Adapting the results from the experiments, we built a simple tool for embedding TF-Cells into a 3D model. Using the tool, we implemented examples under contexts of mechanical fitting, ergonomic fitting, and aesthetic tuning.

This study aims to clarify the effect of non-speech sound augmentation (i.e., everyday and instrumental sounds) on outdoor play for children, where has been lacking in empirical examination. In a within-subject observational study, sixteen children (ages 10-11) were divided into four equally sized groups and equipped with SoundWear, which is a wearable bracelet that allowed them to explore sounds, pick a desired sound, generate the sound with a swinging movement, and transfer the sound between multiple devices. Both the quantitative and qualitative results revealed that augmenting everyday sounds led to distinct play types with differences in physical, social, and imaginative behaviors, whereas instrumental sounds were naturally integrated into traditional games. Thus, sound augmentation with specific digital design features (e.g., transparent technology to provide new perspectives, margin for interpretation, and ownership through a sense of achievement) is significant for shaping distinctions in digitally enhanced play and requires considerable design attention.

Many museums have begun to use mobile devices to provide interactive content to visitors. However, such devices can also easily distract visitors, drawing their attention away from the exhibits. In this pictorial, we show the steps in designing Scienscope-a hand-held mediation device that can be used as a stethoscope to explore additional information hidden within exhibits at close range. As Scienscope hovers on authentic objects, it provides digital content and audio-haptic feedback, reinforcing the visitors' exploratory behaviors. After interviewing museum experts and bodystorming the museum space, we followed an iterative design process using low-fi prototyping to explore the users' experience. Three application scenarios were devised to show how Scienscope can be used for different types of exhibits. We discussed how visitors respond to and explore hidden information about exhibits at close range, which can be helpful for museum curators and designers.