DeformModeling: Intuitively Tangible 3D Modeling via Multiform and Flexible Self-Shape-Sensing Devices

• IntuitModeling enables intuitive creation of complex 3D models via deformable devices. • A flexible IMU-based self-shape-sensing network achieves real-time deformation capture. • A rapid design pipeline supports customizable tangible components in diverse shapes. • User study shows IntuitModeling improves efficiency and usability over Tinkercad. • System allows novices to model intricate surfaces through natural hand manipulations. Assisting novices and non-expert users in efficiently completing 3D modeling tasks remains a significant challenge in the human-computer interaction (HCI) community, especially as 3D design increasingly involves collaboration among multidisciplinary participants. To address this, we introduce DeformModeling, a tangible 3D modeling system that enables users to intuitively and effortlessly create complex 3D models with intricate surface structures. DeformModeling comprises a series of flexible, deformable tangible components presented in five primitives, which can achieve diverse complex surface structures through natural deformation. We embedded a specific layout of inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor networks within each interaction component, enabling real-time reconstruction of their physical shapes into digital 3D models. Users can rapidly create different basic geometric models and their variants with complex surfaces by simply manipulating these components with hand gestures. Additionally, we developed a customized design pipeline to support the rapid customization of deformable components with self-shape-sensing capabilities in different shapes. User experiments demonstrate that DeformModeling lowers the interaction threshold and allows novices and non-expert users to express 3D design ideas more easily.