Communiclay: A Modular System for Tangible Telekinetic Communication
Abstract
We introduce Communiclay, a modular construction
system for tangible kinetic communication of gesture
and form over a distance. Users assemble a number of
Communiclay nodes into unique configurations, connect
their creations to each others’ Communiclay creations
on a network, and then physically deform one creation
to synchronously output those same gestures on the
other networked creations. Communiclay builds on trends
in tangible interfaces and explores the ways in which
future actuated materials can enable a variety of tangible
interfaces. We present applications that stem from past
research in tangible media, and describe explorations
that address ways in which people make meaning of
remote communication through gesture and dynamic
physical form. Our hypothesis is that current research
in programmable matter will eventually converge with
UI research; Communiclay demonstrates that we can
begin to explore design and social issues with today’s
technologies.