What if you could design how a 3D-printed object feels before printing it?
This research project aims to make that possible by combining 3D printing and Virtual Reality (VR) to empower designers and makers to craft objects with specific tactile qualities, such as softness, roughness, smoothness, or texture. By enabling precise control over how objects feel, the project opens up new possibilities for hands-on learning, professional training, and immersive simulations.
Currently, creating 3D-printed objects with a desired feeling involves guesswork and repeated trial and error. There are virtually no tools that let designers predict what a printed object will feel like based on its materials, structure, or surface features. This project addresses that gap by developing new methods to model and control tactile properties, both physically and perceptually. It will also explore how visual cues in VR can enhance or even alter how we experience touch.
Bringing together 3D printing, human perception research, and machine learning, the project will deliver the first generation of design tools that allow users to define and simulate touch sensations before fabrication. These tools will lower the barrier to creating realistic, multisensory VR experiences, ultimately making them more accessible and cost-effective.
Potential applications are wide-ranging. Medical students could practice identifying tumours on lifelike, printed anatomical models in a virtual clinic. Game developers might let players 3D print immersive, touchable props at home. Artists and educators could recreate cultural artifacts with a tangible sense of realism.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Donald Degraen
Key qualifications and skills
The student must have (or be about to obtain) an Honours or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Human-Computer Interaction (or equivalent), and demonstrate a strong interest in research.
They should have experience with interaction design, (parametric) modeling, machine learning and/or user study design. Strong programming skills, creativity, independence, team spirit and communication skills are valuable assets. A good level of technical and scientific English is essential.
Does the project come with funding
Yes: Marsden funding
Final date for receiving applications
Ongoing
How to apply
Send your resume and a cover letter by email to donald.degraen@canterbury.ac.nz with subject "[Application] Designing Touch". We'll be reviewing applications from the 1st of December 2025 until the position is filled.
Keywords
haptics; 3D-printing; virtual reality; human-computer interaction
