Shape-Changing Interfaces (SCIs) dynamically alter their form, an inherent characteristic that introduces fragility into their design. As a result, users' perceptions of an interface's fragility or its potential to move or break may influence their interaction, however the extent of this effect is unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study (N = 18) using video stimuli showcasing 20 existing SCIs. Through thematic analysis, we identified key factors impacting perceived fragility and formalized these into a framework. We then conducted a second study (N = 36) for which we fabricated SCIs that varied across selected fragility-related dimensions. We recorded user interactions and compared how the selected dimensions shaped manipulation of the objects and how they were considered by users. Together, these studies provide a structured foundational understanding of perceived fragility in SCIs and offer insights to enhance perceived robustness and inform future SCI development.

翻译：变形界面（SCIs）能够动态改变其形态，这一固有特性在其设计中引入了脆弱性。因此，用户对界面脆弱性或其可能移动或损坏的感知可能会影响其交互行为，但这种影响的程度尚不明确。为填补这一空白，我们开展了一项定性研究（N = 18），采用展示20种现有变形界面的视频作为刺激材料。通过主题分析，我们识别出影响感知脆弱性的关键因素，并将其形式化为一个理论框架。随后，我们进行了第二项研究（N = 36），为此我们制作了在选定脆弱性相关维度上有所差异的变形界面原型。我们记录了用户交互过程，并比较了所选维度如何影响对物体的操控方式以及用户对其的考量。两项研究共同为变形界面中的感知脆弱性提供了结构化的基础理解，为增强感知鲁棒性及指导未来变形界面发展提供了见解。