Research & Innovation
Stretch an Elastic Band Instead of Writing a Prompt: MaterialVellum Rethinks How We Steer Generative AI
MaterialVellum is an interaction approach for steering generative AI through material-inspired manipulation: zoning bounds set by stretching elastic bands, density redistributed by molding clay, relationships organized by magnetic attraction. A 10-person qualitative study found the approach improves accessibility for non-experts, though its success depends on how well a material metaphor matches a user's existing mental model.