TukTuk
Aug - Nov 2021
Group Project, Interaction Design, Material Exploration
Designed by: Lin Tsai Wei, Luke Goh Xu Jie, Wina Nashita Rakana Adisetya
Supervised by: Clement Zheng
PROJECT SUMMARY
TukTuk is a set of mechanisms that has varying haptics contained in one device. The mechanisms are powered by magnets interacting with one another, housed in 3D printed and acrylic casings. Different functions could be differentiated through different haptics, giving assurance and the flexibility of customisation for users. TukTuk is useful in scenarios that benefit from customising the haptics of a device, such as having a macro and micro-adjustment knob for video editing, or an all-in-one smart home control.
MATERIAL EXPLORATION
Different combinations of materials and mechanisms were explored to understand how materials work together to create haptics. Magnets, acrylic sheets, and 3D printed surfaces were then selected and further investigated to refine specifications such as angles and thickness.
4 MECHANISMS
TOGGLE SWITCH
This toggle switch possesses three different functions and behaviours that can be selected by turning the dial at the front.
The dial contains different surface profiles that change the function of the switch accordingly. This mechanism adds tactility to all-in-one controls, such as an electronic light switch with multiple functions.
Unmute the video for the best experience.
CUSTOMISABLE BUTTON
The customisable button can vary its haptic feedback by switching out the inner 3D printed casing that houses the free-moving magnet. The different surface profiles of the casings results in different haptic behaviours when the button is pressed and released. This could simplify the process of customising mechanical keyboards.
VARIABLE DIAL
The variable dial changes from a rougher to a smooth haptic simply by holding the dial down while twisting. The precise combination of the surface's angle and the magnets' strength allows the dial to return to its original position, behaving like a button. This self-returning property allows the dial to act as a fine-tuning tool for video editing and scrubbing.
PRESET DIAL
The preset dial allows users to decide where they want the dial to stop at. When they twist the dial, there will be a click to signal the preset spot. Appliances such as ovens and toasters may benefit from this as users can know the dial's position through touch, instead of relying on visual estimation.
Presenting TukTuk...