Layered Interactions: Exploring Non-Intrusive Digital Craftsmanship Design Through Lacquer Art Interfaces

2025-07-23

AI Summary

This study addresses the limited adaptability of traditional lacquerware craftsmanship in digital environments. We propose a non-intrusive digital craft design framework that deeply integrates human–computer interaction (HCI) technologies with lacquer art. Methodologically, we leverage the multi-layered structure and material properties of lacquerware to embed flexible circuits and programmable microcontrollers while preserving core manual processes—such as hand-applied lacquering and polishing. Iterative user studies and semi-structured interviews informed the refinement of interaction logic and fabrication workflows. Our contributions include: (1) the first tangible interface development paradigm specifically tailored for intangible cultural heritage crafts; (2) an interactive lacquer craft toolkit enabling artisan-led creation; and (3) empirical validation of enhanced usability, materially expressive interfaces, and enriched emotional engagement. The framework fosters collaborative co-design between artisans and engineers, thereby expanding HCI’s material vocabulary and cultural scope.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Computational Creativity
• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Data quality aspects of human-annotated datasets
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health

Abstract

Integrating technology with the distinctive characteristics of craftsmanship has become a key issue in the field of digital craftsmanship. This paper introduces Layered Interactions, a design approach that seamlessly merges Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) technologies with traditional lacquerware craftsmanship. By leveraging the multi-layer structure and material properties of lacquerware, we embed interactive circuits and integrate programmable hardware within the layers, creating tangible interfaces that support diverse interactions. This method enhances the adaptability and practicality of traditional crafts in modern digital contexts. Through the development of a lacquerware toolkit, along with user experiments and semi-structured interviews, we demonstrate that this approach not only makes technology more accessible to traditional artisans but also enhances the materiality and emotional qualities of interactive interfaces. Additionally, it fosters mutual learning and collaboration between artisans and technologists. Our research introduces a cross-disciplinary perspective to the HCI community, broadening the material and design possibilities for interactive interfaces.

Problem

• Integrating HCI technologies with traditional lacquerware craftsmanship
• Enhancing adaptability of traditional crafts in digital contexts
• Fostering collaboration between artisans and technologists

Innovation

• Embedding circuits in lacquerware layers
• Combining HCI with traditional craftsmanship
• Creating tangible multi-layer interfaces