Mechamagnets

2018

This research explores a technique to rapidly prototype haptic and functional physical interfaces through desktop 3D printing and embedded static magnets.

Mechamagnets aims to disrupt the prototyping process of physical interfaces by offering a technique that provides designers with an efficient means of detailing the physical form, function and haptics of physical interfaces. Through mechamagnets, designers specify different physical interaction affordances realized through 3D printed parts that assemble and move with different spatial contraints. The configuration of embedded static magnets then enable different passive haptic responses. These same magnets also participate in the instrumentation of the physical interface with the help of linear Hall effect sensors.

︎︎︎GitHub

︎︎︎TEI 2018  ︎︎︎PDF

︎︎︎ TEI 2019 ︎︎︎PDF

Tactile feedback with embedded magnets
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Instrumentation with Hall effect sensors

Exploring and fabricating haptic physical interfaces

Design to fabrication pipeline

Case study: creating a tangible input device