Project Alpha
FlexForm is a shape-changing interface that allows physical objects to dynamically reconfigure their geometry in response to computational input. By embedding distributed actuators within a compliant polymer substrate, the system enables smooth, continuous deformation across a programmable surface. Potential applications span haptic feedback, assistive devices, and ambient information displays. This work was supported by a research grant from the National Research Foundation.
Publication
Chen, Alice, Bob Smith, Carol Williams, and David Lee. "FlexForm: Continuous Shape Deformation for Programmable Physical Interfaces." In Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '26). ACM, New York, NY, USA, 2026.