Weaving Stories with Leaves: Co-Designing a Tangible Interface for Tuvaluan Cultural Continuity
Anneysha Sarkar, Nikhila Gurusinghe, Anne Ozdowska, Naomi Maheu, Ash Lenton, Josh Andrés · 2025
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.