Fidget Toy
Project Goal
The goal of the project was to create a delightful mechanical interaction using the constraints of the assigned materials. Rubber bands provided the primary active element, allowing the device to express tension, compression, and release through hand-driven movement. The design focuses on translating these material behaviors into a simple device that produces a satisfying tactile response.
Play
The final device is a handheld fidget mechanism that rotates around a square axis. The circular body is turned with the thumb or index finger, and internal rubber band tension causes the device to snap into place at regular intervals. The constant resistance, with movement, and release creates a rhythmic tactile and audible response
Constraints
The device was designed within a set of physical and interaction constraints. It had to fit within the scale of the hand and rely on manual input to initiate and complete movement. The primary active material was rubber band tension, requiring the mechanism to visibly store and release energy during interaction. The design also needed to clearly communicate where to grip, how to rotate, and how movement occurs, while remaining mechanically simple and physically functional as a working model.
Interaction Analysis
I explored how comfortably different shapes rotated within the hand. Simple to more complex engonomic forms were tested to explore how geometry and scale affects ease of the choosen movement. The first step was using Clay to imprint the movement within the hand and then from there I added complexity or simpified the form.
Shape Analysis
Observational drawings studied the structure and movement of the hand during stillness and small rotational actions. Particular attention was given to how the thumb and index finger stabilize objects while applying directional force. These studies informed the scale, grip zones, and curvature of the final form.
Basic Shapes Feel in Single Hand
Basic forms—including cylinders, rectangles, and ovals—were tested to understand how simple geometry behaves when rotated in the hand. These studies revealed where edges are needed to provide alignment and stability vs when curved surfaces were needed to allow and signify movement and flow.
Form Complexity
More complex curved forms were tested to explore how compound geometry affects tactile control. The study showed that overly complex shapes reduce clarity during manipulation, while simpler forms provide more intuitive movement.
How does it work
Interior drawings examined how the square rotational axis, rubber band tension, and supporting structure store and release energy during rotation. This analysis clarified how the mechanism produces consistent snapping positions.
Rubber Band and Wood Mechanism
A series of small wooden prototypes explored ways to create clicking and snapping interactions. These models tested how geometry, spacing, and compression influence mechanical feedback and tactile response.
Ideation
Initial ideation was explored through a series of drawings investigating many different possible forms and interactions. These sketches tested variations in movement, geometry, scale, and complexity to understand how different shapes might behave when manipulated by the hand. The drawings allowed quick exploration of multiple directions before moving into physical prototypes.
Fun Interactions
A series of small models were created to explore different mechanical interactions driven by rubber band tension. Each model tested a single movement, including a mechanism that jumped like a frog, a slider moving along a track, a switch, a bar rocking back and forth along an axis, a push button, a two-handed switch, and a scissor-like motion. These studies allowed different types of resistance, motion, and release to be compared in order to identify interactions that felt clear and satisfying in the hand.
