FoldForm

Sketching and AI-powered asset generation
Actual Object

Inspiration

We wanted to make 3D concept modeling feel easier to try on a phone. The idea for FoldForm came from asking: what if folding the phone could also help you explore how a model folds? We wanted to put concept modeling in your pocket and make it feel more hands-on.

What it does

FoldForm uses the phone’s hinge to bend a 3D model along a crease. You can look around the model, draw a sketch, add or remove material, check dimensions, and export the result. It is meant to help people explore an idea quickly, before turning it into a more finished design.

How we built it

We built FoldForm as a native iOS app with SwiftUI and RealityKit. We made a custom system to deform the model as the hinge moves, and connected that to the crease, sketch tools, basic modeling operations, and export options.

Challenges we ran into

One challenge was getting the crease to line up with the model so the fold looked connected to the actual geometry. We also had to work with a beta development environment, which made it harder to know what would behave the same way in the simulator and on a real device. Getting the controls to feel understandable while keeping the model easy to see took a lot of thought too.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud that folding the phone can visibly change the model, instead of the app just playing a preset animation. We also brought sketching, material changes, different camera views, and exporting into the same prototype. It was exciting to see a physical movement become part of a modeling workflow.

What we learned

We learned that a simple interaction can involve a lot of geometry and careful coordination between the device, the model, and the interface. We also learned to be clear about what we can verify in a simulator and what still needs to be tested on the actual hardware.

What's next for FoldForm

Next, we want to bring more AI into FoldForm and help people turn their sketches into real designs. Our goal is for someone to start with an idea, shape it with FoldForm, and eventually be able to see and feel that idea in the real world.