An Interactive Hybrid Book Integrating Capacitive, Piezoelectric, and Piezoresistive Polymer-Based Technologies

The arising of novel paradigms in human-computer interaction, including tangible user interfaces, shape-changing interfaces, or ubiquitous computing, is breaking down the boundary between physical and digital realms, leading to more natural and immersive forms of interaction. Advances in active and responsive smart materials allow to transform once inanimate objects, such as books, into actively responsive objects. Herein, a hybrid interactive book has been developed. It includes a capacitive touchpad, a piezoelectric speaker, and a piezoresistive platform for drawing and writing digitalization. All interactive elements are based on electroactive polymer films and are processed by additive manufacturing techniques. This work provides a compelling demonstration of how advanced materials can be seamlessly integrated in traditional physical interfaces to enhance interactivity and user experience. This work reports the development of a hybrid book prototype, combining a capacitive touchpad, a piezoelectric film for acoustic actuation, and a piezoresistive platform for drawing and writing digitalization, which proves to be a suitable a platform where the different polymer-based film technologies can be implemented.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH