Interacting with actuated walls: Exploring applications and input types

Previous literature on small-scale shape displays demonstrated the benefit of shape-changing interfaces and adaptive environments. However, research with large-scale implementations is limited to specific equipment. Thus, there is little understanding of how they can enrich user experience in a larger scope, especially from an interactive perspective. We proposed using pin-array large-scale implementations made of linear actuators matrix as vertical structures to replace static and planar walls and conducted a two-fold exploration to extend the understanding of potential applications and showcase users’ behaviors and preferences to inspire researchers. We summarized 14 potential applications for shape-changing walls, and presented users’ interaction preferences with such a wall of different sizes and interaction distances. We concluded with recommendations and guidelines for practitioners to design large-scale actuated walls.