This project received the ACM CHI2025 Honorable Mention and the Special Recognition for Sustainalbe Practices Runners up

CHI ’25: Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Article No.: 304, Pages 1 – 21 https://doi.org/10.1145/3706598.3713599

Layered Interactions explores a new approach to digital craftsmanship by seamlessly merging traditional lacquerware techniques with interactive technology. The project addresses the longstanding tension between the rapid, efficient nature of digital technologies and the meticulous, hands-on processes of traditional crafts. By embedding interactive circuits and programmable elements within the multi-layered structure of lacquerware, we transform traditional craftsmanship into adaptable, tangible interfaces that support various lacquer techniques and interaction modes. This approach not only preserves the tactile and aesthetic qualities of lacquerware but also enhances its practicality and adaptability in modern digital contexts.

Our work emphasizes the importance of non-invasive digital practices that respect traditional materials, methods, and processes, positioning technology as an extension of the artist’s creative process rather than a replacement. Through practical experimentation, we aim to reconcile the contrasts between speed and precision, efficiency and authenticity, while fostering deeper emotional connections to digitally augmented artifacts. Layered Interactions offers a novel perspective on digital craftsmanship, advocating for a harmonious integration that enriches the authenticity of artifacts and enables digital interactions to blend seamlessly into everyday life.

_{Traditional lacquer art is known for its thin and smooth material properties, skin-like tactile qualities, and multilayered brushing technique. The construction of high-quality lacquerware involves multiple intricate steps . Even the most basic lacquering technique (applying lacquer solely for surface decoration on a pre-made substrate) involves repetitive lacquering, curing, and sanding (using sandpaper ranging from 180 to 5000 grit) until the surface is mirror-smooth, ready for decoration. A thin lacquer surface can exceed 10 layers, while complex carved lacquer pieces may require 200 to 300 layers.}

_{While lacquer art is a staple in ancient daily life, its use in interactive design remains largely unexplored. Our digital lacquer prototype experiments aim to unlock the potential of lacquer interfaces for bridging physical and digital realms. By incorporating four intuitive actions—tap, swipe, rotate, and pinch—into demo experiments with artisans, we demonstrated the feasibility of combining lacquer techniques with embedded interactive circuits. This approach highlights how lacquer art can support reliable, everyday interactions, paving the way for new possibilities in interactive design.}

LacquerSync Ring: A smart ring with lacquer touchpoints for controlling audio functions, offering a personalized, culturally rich wearable alternative to mass-produced devices.

RhythmFlow Bracelet: A dance prop that triggers musical notes through touchpoints on its lacquer surface, blending dance and music for a dynamic, immersive performance.

Musical Tableware: Integrates interaction into tableware by triggering musical responses as soup flows along lacquered spiral grooves, turning dining into a multi-sensory experience.

Braille Tactile Interface: Enhances Braille devices with lacquer’s warm texture. Embedded sensors beneath raised Braille text allow users to trigger interactions by pressing, promoting inclusive tactile experiences.

GlowTransition Lamp: Features a lacquer-coated base that shifts color from dark to red, symbolizing light emergence. Integrates interactive technology seamlessly into everyday objects.

PurrSense Cat: Combines lacquer craftsmanship with embedded sensors, allowing touch-triggered sounds (purring, meowing) to create an emotionally engaging figurine.

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