TangiGumball

Physicalize 3D CAD feature

For: Tangible interface, How to make almost anything

Project team: Quincy Kuang, Lingdong Huang, Liu Yang, Quac Dang, Doreen Chin, Sophie Liu, llknur Aspir

Introduction

TangiGumball represents a tangible, real-world incarnation of the widely used 'gumball' tool found in many popular CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs. In the digital realm, the gumball tool is an essential feature in CAD software, typically employed to modify the X, Y, and Z dimensions of a 3D model. Our creation of TangiGumball aims to bridge the gap between digital and physical understanding. By offering a physical model that mimics the functions of its digital counterpart, we hope to provide novice CAD users with a hands-on, intuitive understanding of how the digital gumball tool operates, thereby enhancing their grasp of three-dimensional modeling in the CAD environment.

Additionally, manipulating objects through a 2D digital interface can be challenging. We believe that introducing TangiGumball, a 3-dimensional tool, will significantly ease this process. This hands-on approach aims to simplify and enhance the user experience, especially in manipulating complex shapes and structures within CAD environments.

Initial concept

We initially imagine Tangigumball to be a tool that replaces the mouse during 3D modeling, having features that would make manipulating 3D object much easier.

Prototype 1 (concept)

Concept video:

Process:

The initial prototype only serve as a demonstration of our concept, we hope to further develop this idea through a working prototype. The following documentation shows the second casting of TangiGumball with more functionality testing, specifically we wanted to see if it is possible to cast conductive rubber cord inside the gumball.

Prototype 2

Prototype 3 Working prototype

For the working prototype, we wanted to create a simple CAD station with the Tangigumball. Thus we added an interface to extrude and revolve using the TangiGumball.