Haptic Interface for Real-Time Evaluation and Modification of Shape Design

The paper presents the results of a research project aiming at developing an innovative framework for conceptual design of products based on innovative haptic interfaces. The framework consists of a CAD (Computer Aided Design) system enhanced with intuitive interaction tools and modalities for modeling, modification and evaluation of shapes. The system aims at exploiting designers’ skills in modeling products, improving the products design process by reducing the necessity to build several physical models for evaluating and testing the product designs. The system proposes an emotional engineering approach by supporting product designers in translating their sensibility into physical design factors, allowing easy and fast creation and evaluation of diverse shape solutions. The system requirements have been defined after observing designers during their daily work and translating the way they evaluate and modify shapes using hands and craft tools into specifications for the modeling system and the haptic tool. The system prototype has been tested by designers who have found it intuitive and effective to use.