Materials as interface

In this project, we performed a wide exploration of the materials as the interface of a product. From the beginning, our goal was to create a material which could be perceived as engaging in interaction.

In the final prototype, all the layer of the material contributed to the desire to touch, squeeze, and engage with the object.

The translucency of the silicone shows a wire mesh inside which produces an inherent visual feedforward that the material is moldable. This makes the user curious and invites them to interact with the prototype. Moreover, other material qualities such as the visual softness of the surface silicon and the shape of the object invite the user to touch. When the user touches the material, it lights up. The more the user interact with the prototype, the more the lights’ color and intensity change.