This paper explores how small-but–detectable changes in manufacturing protocol can alter interaction-design preferences for users. Building on a number of previous studies by the authors, this paper focuses on the manufacture of a set of emotionally attuned pattern-based surface texture designs by means of computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machining. An experiment is subsequently reported that explores how the variations in toolpath rastering approach can affect the visual and tactile qualities of the textures in relation to interaction-design preferences, with a focus on psychological experience. The implications with respect to user-centred design (UX) and manufacturing protocol more broadly are subsequently discussed, with recommendations for a reconfiguration of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) approaches to better encode the diverse preferences that users may have when considering how products are manufactured.
