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Weaving Stories with Leaves: Co-Designing a Tangible Interface for Tuvaluan Cultural Continuity

  • Anneysha Sarkar
  • , Nikhila Gurusinghe
  • , Anne Ozdowska
  • , Naomi Maheu
  • , Ash Lenton
  • , Josh Andres

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Paperpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This work presents a Tangible User Interface (TUI) inspired by the Tuvaluan practice of leaf weaving. Sensors embedded in palm leaves capture touch and movement, translating these interactions into real-time audiovisual feedback and generative digital art. The design is informed by Tuvaluan cultural values and intergenerational knowledge, applied through thematic mapping within a co-design process. Grounded in more-than-human design, the research explores how tangible computing can support cultural continuity and promote ecological awareness. Contributions include a functional prototype and design reflections on engaging with Pacific material traditions in the context of climate vulnerability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOZCHI 2025 - Proceedings of the 37th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction
EditorsJoel Fredericks, Soojeong Yoo, Tram Thi Minh Tran, Nadia Pantidi, Thuong Hoang, Marius Hoggenmueller, Glenda Caldwell, Benjamin Tag, Josh Andres, Hilary Davis, Marie Boden, Howe Zhu, Joel Harman, Jessica Rahman
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Pages578-590
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9798400720161
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Nov 2025
Event37th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, OZCHI 2025 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 29 Nov 20253 Dec 2025

Publication series

NameOZCHI 2025 - Proceedings of the 37th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

Conference

Conference37th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, OZCHI 2025
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period29/11/253/12/25

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