Shape-Changing Interfaces (SCIs) dynamically alter their form, an inherent characteristic that introduces fragility into their design. As a result, users' perceptions of an interface's fragility or its potential to move or break may influence their interaction, however the extent of this effect is unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study (N = 18) using video stimuli showcasing 20 existing SCIs. Through thematic analysis, we identified key factors impacting perceived fragility and formalized these into a framework. We then conducted a second study (N = 36) for which we fabricated SCIs that varied across selected fragility-related dimensions. We recorded user interactions and compared how the selected dimensions shaped manipulation of the objects and how they were considered by users. Together, these studies provide a structured foundational understanding of perceived fragility in SCIs and offer insights to enhance perceived robustness and inform future SCI development.
@article{arxiv.2603.08107,
title = {''I don't want to break it'': An Exploration of Perceived Fragility in Shape-Changing Interfaces},
author = {Eva Mackamul and Tom Maillard and Noé Marceaul and Yelli Coulibaly and Julien Pansiot and Laurence Boissieux and Dominique Vaufreydaz and Anne Roudaut and Céline Coutrix},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.08107},
year = {2026}
}