Tangible Media Group

TangiGumball is a tangible, real-world incarnation of the widely used “gumball” tool found in many CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs. In digital environments, the gumball tool is a core feature used to manipulate the X, Y, and Z dimensions of a 3D model. TangiGumball is designed to bridge the gap between digital operations and physical understanding. By translating the digital gumball into a physical form that mirrors its functionality, we aim to give novice CAD users a hands-on and intuitive way to understand how three-dimensional transformations work, strengthening their spatial understanding within CAD environments.

Manipulating three-dimensional objects through a two-dimensional digital interface can be difficult, particularly for beginners. Introducing TangiGumball as a physical, three-dimensional tool helps reduce this cognitive gap by allowing users to directly engage with spatial transformations. This hands-on approach simplifies interaction and enhances the user experience, especially when working with complex shapes and structures. We describe this class of digitally inspired physical tools as “digital metaphors.