Swell by Light, 2024-2025

Sosuke Ichihashi, Nora Howell, HyunJoo Oh

Swell by Light: An approachable Technique for Freeform Raised Textures, TEI 2025. DOI PDF

Swell by Light is a novel, approachable method for 2.5D texture fabrication using off-the-shelf materials and tools. Visible light on paper with a dark printed pattern applies localized heat to the paper, causing the corresponding pattern to swell on the paper's backside, where a heat-expanding paste is thinly spread. To improve the accuracy of swell patterns, we developed a print pattern optimization algorithm using thermal simulation. We share the results of design parameter tests to offer guidelines for Swell by Light. We demonstrate exemplars showcasing a broad range of expressive capabilities of Swell by Light, including children's tactile picture books, tangible elevation maps, touch and pressure sensors, scented braille, and textured origami. Overall, Swell by Light expands possibilities for expressive and interactive designs with paper.