Life Blocks: Making DNA Tangible Through a Phygital Kinetic Artifact

This paper introduces Life Blocks, a phygital kinetic DNA experience that transforms genomic data into an interactive tangible installation. The artifact features a modular mechanical display that visualizes fifty DNA bases (the life blocks of organisms) moving according to the four genetic letters A, C, G, and T. Using a controller, visitors can display human or non-human sequences, fix mutations, or create their own code, making the invisible genome perceptible and playful. Life Blocks was exhibited in five venues, including a design center, a biomedical research institute, and a music festival, engaging over 7,000 visitors. Observations, questionnaires, and interaction logs suggest that kinetic tangible interfaces foster curiosity and understanding of complex biological phenomena across diverse audiences. This work provides design and deployment insights for creating phygital artifacts that combine scientific communication with embodied, aesthetic interaction.