Augmented Foam

Computer-aided design (CAD) applications have become essential tools for designers to express and simulate innovative ideas and concepts. However, by replacing traditional materials and mock-ups with 3D CAD systems, designers face the problem of intangibility, as they are unable to physically interact with test products in the early stages of the design process. In this paper, we propose Augmented Foam: a touchable and graspable interface that applies augmented reality technologies to physical blue foam based on 3D CAD data. Using Augmented Foam, a blue foam mock-up is overlaid with a 3D virtual object rendered from the same CAD model used for the mock-up's production. We also present a method to correct occlusions of virtual products caused by the user's hands. Augmented Foam was tested through a mug design and a cleaning robot design, demonstrating that designers could inspect and evaluate design alternatives interactively and efficiently.