📝 SummarXiv

Abstract

When novices fabricate, they naturally start by choosing a workflow (e.g., laser cutting, 3D printing, Wire bending) and corresponding software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Fusion360, Rhino) from a narrow gamut of options. However, as they advance their design, another workflow might better suit their design intent, but their models are committed to the original workflow. This prohibits exploration, a learning mechanism fostering informed decision making. We present CAMeleon, a tool to compare fabrication workflows through side-by-side comparison. Users load pre-existing STL models in CAMeleon, to preview how it would fabricate using alternative workflows, and CAMeleon lets them fine-tune and fabricate the final artifact. This exploration is well-suited for educational contexts. We interviewed 7 fabrication educators to understand how to adjust CAMeleon for successful integration in education. Our user evaluation (N=12) revealed that CAMeleon broadened the range of workflows considered, supported comparative reasoning, and encouraged new strategies for fabrication planning.