Saskia Helinska

Unflatables is a research project exploring the potential uses of soft robotics in wearables and e-textiles. It covers three different processes used to produce the actuators and investigates the design methods for predefined three-dimensional deformation, which may be used for both visual and haptic feedback

Full Project Website available here

The outcome of this research is a set of samples that give visual or haptic feedback. They were crafted using four different fabrication methods and materials appropriate for each technique: heat-transfer vinyl, EVA and LDPE . Following the design process of shape-changing geometries, the artifacts recreate three biomicry-inspired movements: expansion, bending and twisting.

The further development of this project should incorporate the findings, technological and material affordances exploration of inflatables with the somaesthetic approach to interactive systems design. This combination may educate sensory sensitivity to better understand and experience the surrounding world via technologically augmented body.

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