This prototyping phase focuses on understanding how soft materials respond to pressure, grip, and repeated interaction. Through molding experiments, I tested variations in wall thickness, internal volume, and surface texture to observe how these factors influenced ergonomics, stability, and user perception. Silicone enables rapid iteration where forms could be adjusted, recast, and evaluated quickly, making it an ideal medium for refining proportions and interaction zones before integrating air chambers, electronics, or flexible components.

Silicone Process

Inflation Testing p.1

Preliminary Inflation Testing

Initial testing resulted in minimal inflation due to a variety of reasons including air bubbles, holes, and layer separation due to a thicker top mold than bottom mold. The solution was to create a new mold base with higher walls. This prevents inflation on both ends, resulting in a stronger base and inflation upon only the top shell.

A second round of prototyping includes a new base mold with higher walls, a resin base plate, and internal computer mouse components.

Inflation Testing p.2

There is a total of 36 “ribs” that the mold contains. While the design does not necessarily need all 36 to create a standard curling shape for your palm, the form promotes customizations towards user needs. In this case, an isolated button above the scroll wheel can remove the need to scroll or click entirely.