Crafting concrete as a material for enhancing meaningful interactions

Abstract

Concrete is a composite material mostly used for the buildings and road surfaces ever since early human history, and which also can be used in contemporary product design as its unique aesthetic properties. In this paper, we present a series of small-scale explorations of concrete crafted as a central material, first utilizing its hygroscopicity interacting as an ephemeral and dynamic display; and secondly eliciting tactile interaction for its unique surface textures. Through hands-on engagement to unveil concrete potential when fabricated with digital technologies, we discuss how this large-scale and ubiquitous material could bring particular and intriguing experiences in our everyday lives, most importantly how can the potential of concrete be framed and described and enhance meaningful concrete reflections within HCI community.