We introduce VISMOCK, a data physicalization approach that leverages a fabric manipulation technique called “smocking”. VISMOCK supports the creation of interactive and dynamic data physicalizations by extending the smocking technique with programmable components such as thermochromic pigments and shape memory alloys. Our motivation to introduce VISMOCK is twofold. First, there is a need to identify and study new mediums for encoding data into the geometry and properties of different materials. Second, we aim to explore how interactivity and dynamicity in VISMOCK can support the creation of varied data physicalizations. Using a research-through-design methodology, we develop an initial design space for VISMOCK that shows how data can be represented using visual and tactile variables, as well as the affordances of VISMOCK. We demonstrate the generative power of our design space through four exemplars, created using VISMOCK. 

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