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

2026-03-09

AI Summary

This study addresses the perceptual fragility of Shape-Changing Interfaces (SCIs) and its potential impact on user interaction, a mechanism that remains poorly understood. Through two user studies, the research first constructs a theoretical framework of perceptual fragility using video stimuli and thematic analysis, then empirically validates how key design dimensions influence users’ behavioral responses and expectations via physical prototypes. The work establishes the first analytical framework for SCI perceptual fragility and identifies core factors that shape users’ perceptions of robustness. These findings offer both theoretical grounding and practical guidance for optimizing the usability and design of future shape-changing interfaces.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Intelligent User Interfaces
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning: Action, Change, and Causality

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Security and Privacy: Large-scale security measurements
• Responsible Web: Consent frameworks and practices on the web

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.

Problem

• Shape-Changing Interfaces
• perceived fragility
• user interaction
• human-computer interaction
• interface design

Innovation

• perceived fragility
• shape-changing interfaces
• user interaction
• design framework
• human-centered design