KiriPhys: New Data Medium
Introducing a novel tactile technique for interactive data physicalization
KiriPhys: New Data Medium
Introducing a novel tactile technique for interactive data physicalization
Embedded Files
Introducing a novel tactile technique for interactive data physicalization
I innovated KiriPhys, a novel tactile data physicalization technique inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami. It introduces a novel set of tactile variables to support embodied, screen-free data interaction, opening up new possibilities for sustainable data representation across different scales, materials, and functional forms.
Motivation
Motivation
Data physicalization is increasingly used to engage people with data in playful, accessible, and inclusive ways—beyond the screen.
It offers sensory and emotional connections that traditional visualizations often lack. Yet most current approaches are static, technology-dependent, or limited in interaction, making them difficult to scale or adapt for everyday use.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Motivated by these gaps, I introduced KiriPhys as a data physicalization technique, inspired by the Japanese art of paper cutting. By applying a structured grammar of cuts, I transform flat materials into tactile, interactive data artifacts that people can carry, manipulate, stretch, and explore.
Why Kiriphys?
Why Kiriphys?
KiriPhys opens up a broad design space—across scale, from tiny wearables to large wall displays; across materials, from paper to metal sheets; and across functions, from jewelry to wall decor. It brings data into the physical world in ways that are lightweight, portable, and deeply personal.
Loop refers to the concentric strips, and joints are the anchor points that connect two adjust loops.
KiriPhys Variables
KiriPhys Variables
Independent Variables
Independent Variables
Directly mapped data to cutting properties like the number/width of loops or the number/width of joints.
Dependent Variables
Dependent Variables
Emergent through interaction including amount of expansion, elasticity, texture density, and direction of expansion
KiriPhys Example 1: Productivity Coaster
KiriPhys Example 1: Productivity Coaster
These expandable, disposable coasters are designed to quietly reflect a person's week. They sit at the periphery of attention—non-intrusive and naturally integrated into everyday routines, such as having a cup of coffee or tea. As someone interacts with them, they invite subtle, slow reflection and allow for easy comparison across different weeks.
These KiriPhys can be used as flat and stackable coasters and upon interaction, can be expanded to reveal data about the owner's week for comparison and reflection.
How to read it?
How to read it?
The shape of the cut pattern represents the owner's weekly average mood rating (on a scale from 1 to 10), with the number of edges corresponding to the average mood.
The number of loops represents the number of meetings for that week and
The width of each loop is mapped to the duration of each meeting. Therefore, the size of the coaster shows the time spent in meetings during the week.
The number of study hours is mapped to the number of joints, which defines the density of expansion.
KiriPhys Example 2: Family CalendAr
KiriPhys Example 2: Family CalendAr
This birthday calendar visualizes family member data through a decorative, wall-mounted artifact. Designed to be easily updated over time, this piece can remain on the wall as a long-term, expressive object—blending personal data with aesthetic form. It invites reflection, shared storytelling, and even the possibility of data sharing among loved ones, all without screens.
How to read it?
How to read it?
Each element on the canvas encodes multiple layers of meaning: the position corresponds to a person’s birthdate, the direction of the cut indicates gender, and the number of loops represents their age. The direction of expansion reveals whether that family member lives nearby or far away.
User Study
User Study
Research Question?
Research Question?
How do people behave towards this new data meduim and what is their perception of different variables?
Research methodology
Research methodology
A Mixed-Methods In-Lab Study
Open-Ended Exploration + Task-Based Evaluation
A Mixed-Methods In-Lab Study
Open-Ended Exploration + Task-Based Evaluation
Data Analysis
Data Analysis
I used open coding to analyze the video recordings, think-aloud transcripts, and interaction footage to understand how participants engaged with KiriPhys and interpreted data variables. We focused on participants’ verbal explanations, gestures, and nonverbal cues to assess patterns in interpretation.
We analyzed task error and completion time, comparing participant responses against correct values, to identify the understandability of KiriPhys variables.
Key Results
Key Results
Our observations of how people interact with, understand, and respond to KiriPhys suggest that KiriPhys:
provides new opportunities for interactive, layered data exploration,
introduces elastic expansion as a new sensation that can reveal data, and
offers data mapping possibilities while providing a pleasurable experience that stimulates curiosity and engagement.
KiriPhys
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse