ACM CHI 2026 · Research project
CAMeleon: Comparing Fabrication Workflows in CAD to Support Design Reasoning
How can CAD support learners who recognize a fabrication workflow decision but lack the knowledge to evaluate alternatives? CAMeleon lets them compare outcomes for the same 3D model, explore trade-offs and make an informed workflow choice.
Research problem
Novice makers often begin with a familiar fabrication method and software. As their designs develop, another workflow may better fit their goals, but earlier modeling decisions can make it difficult to change direction. Learners may recognize that a workflow choice matters while lacking the knowledge to evaluate alternatives. The research explores how comparison within CAD can support their reasoning about those decisions.
Interaction and workflow
- Import: Load a 3D model into CAMeleon.
- Compare: Preview how different fabrication workflows would realize the model and explore how their outcomes relate to the design goal.
- Choose and export: After selecting a workflow, export machine and human instructions for fabrication.
Comparison is the interaction mechanism: learners examine different fabrication outcomes for their own model, consider trade-offs and use that information to make a workflow decision.
Position in the decision space
In my research agenda, CAMeleon primarily addresses Aware · Cannot resolve: learners recognize a fabrication workflow decision but may not yet have enough knowledge to evaluate alternatives. Comparing workflows helps them explore trade-offs relevant to their own designs.
The intended outcome is informed decision-making. The marker identifies the decision situation CAMeleon addresses; it does not represent an empirically measured transition to Can resolve or imply that every learner starts in the same state. The workflow choice remains with the learner.
Research and evaluation
The team interviewed seven fabrication educators to understand how comparison tools could fit into teaching and used their insights to refine the prototype. In a user evaluation with 12 participants, guided comparison helped participants consider a broader range of workflows, reflect on trade-offs, and experiment with new planning approaches.
See the peer-reviewed paper for the complete study and limitations.
Demo video
The video is loaded only when you choose to watch it, so the page remains lightweight on mobile and does not autoplay while scrolling. To use the software, open the interactive live demo.
Publication and resources
Comparing Fabrication Workflows in CAD to Support Design Reasoning. CHI 2026. DOI: 10.1145/3772318.3790516.
Additional information, acknowledgments and the full author list are available on the official project page.