CAD software has revolutionized the creation of digital models with free-form curves and surfaces, allowing designers to quickly and easily draw and manipulate curves by adjusting their control points. In contrast, achieving similar tasks in the physical world through crafting or model-making requires a high level of mastery, significant time, and resources. However, the multi-sensory interaction with materials in physical making provides embodied design knowledge that enriches the design process and fosters creativity.

NURBSforms aims to bridge the gap between digital and physical model-making. It is a shape-changing interface that allows designers to create and manipulate NURBS-based models in the physical form, as effortlessly as they would in CAD software.

Each module of NURBSforms represents a base curve with adjustable curvature, controlled by the designer and actuated in real time. Similar to NURBS-based software, users can manipulate the curvature by moving the control points. By connecting multiple base curves, designers can create complex curves and surfaces in 2D or 3D space. NURBSforms brings digital capabilities—such as transformation, programmability, repeatability, and reversibility (analogous to commands like Copy, Paste, Undo, and Redo)—into the physical realm.

NURBSforms is a collaborative project between Hunmin Koh and Yasaman Tahouni. Concept Development was led by Hunmin Koh and Yasaman Tahouni, with hardware development by Yasaman Tahouni, and UI and software integration by Hunmin Koh.

Aggregation of NURBSForms base modules can create more complex curves and surfaces

Custom fabricated flexible circuit actuator