Auxetic Materials

Analysing the dynamics of function and aesthetics in Auxetic materials

Auxetic materials present a counter intuitive behavior that differs from conventional materials when compressed they contract, and when expanded they expand in all directions. This qualities interest applications where 3-dimensional changes in volume are needed. The pen architecture seen in Auxetic materials, provide, a unique capability to adjust to irregular surfaces. Other qualities of these structures are the ability to perform well on impact absorption. Instead of collecting the impact in a single point/area the structure redirects that impact through all the surface. Last but not least, the geometric patterns of the structure confers it an ambiguous yet, aesthetic qualities of visualization. Overall, Auxetic materials have great aesthetics qualities and high-performance functioning which can be explored in a wide range of contexts of use such as, sports and protection equipment, car interiors, architecture, everyday products, or even aircraft parts.

Smart-materials; Structures behaviour; 3D printing; Concepts.

Master Project - research phase, 2017

Expressivity of Movement

Adding meaning to movement in the context of autonomous vehicles

In this project the user’s perception of movement from three different behaviour of a shape-changing display in a smart car context was researched. The aim was to understand meaning of movement in relation to nine warning signals provided by a smart car. Therefore, participants were asked to rank the three movements, from best to worst, in relation to each of the nine warning signals of a car.

The hypothesis for each movement being tested was that users would relate the movement of mechanical expression to warning signals correspondent to mechanical problems in the car. The movement of human/animal expression to warning signals that related to problems caused by humans/animals. Finally, the movement with Nature expression to warning signals associated to atmospheric conditions. The hypothesis failed, nevertheless, the findings of the study still present interesting insights for further research in the field of shape-change.

Research through Design; Shape-change; Movement; Expression; Display; Human-Computer Interaction.

Research on Shape-change Displays, 2017

Mushroom Textures

Unveiling 3D printer potential to design unique textures

3D printing technology can be challenged from several aspects. One in which this project looked into was varying machine 3D printing speed on thin geometries. The result was textures that have a look and feel similar to mushroom gills.

Textures; Research; Materials; 3D printing; Biomimicry; Exploration

Dynamic Textiles

Exploring the dynamics of patterns in textiles through knitting techniques

This project consisted in exploring patterns in textiles. When the textile is horizontally moved the patterns are revealed. This was accomplished by making cuts of the textile as well as knitting the upper and the lower textiles in specific positions. The speed of the movement and the displaying of the patterns create a mesmerizing visual experience.

Movement; Textiles; Patterns; Knitting; Interaction; Touch; Soft Interfaces.

Interactive Materiality, 2017

Auxetic 2D structures.

Auxetic behavior explanation. Top illustration, chiral behavior. 2nd and 3rd illustration, re-entrant behavior.

Auxetic behavior, rotating rigid & semi-rigid structures.

2D Structures 3D printed.

Auxetic structures tessellated and their respective module for tessellation.

Re-entrant honeycomb structure behavior adapts to the knee bending. Good application in protective equipments.

Car seat concept using Auxetic structures with chiral behavior that open and close according to heat stimuli.

A light controller for intelligent systems of houses. This concept uses as combination of 2 Auxetic structures, One of the surface level to adapt to the irregular surfaces and other with snapping mechanism feeling for tactile feedback.

This shoe concept uses a combination of two Auxetic structures. One with variable density for shock absorption. Other that follows foot deformation by expanding and contracting according to the foot needs.

Click on the image above to see the video.

Photo of the probe used in this research.

BMW NXT 100 concept car dynamic movement of the dashboard, were the big motivation for this research. Image retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/y9oclkv7

Framework illustration of Rasmussen et al.

Rasmussen, M. K., Pedersen, E. W., Petersen, M. G., & Hornbæk, K. (2012, May). Shape-changing interfaces: a review of the design space and open research questions. In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 735-744). ACM.

Car warning signals analysed in this experiment.

User testing setup.

Movement of Human/Animal expression and the warning signals selected for this movement.

Movement of Mechanical expression and the warning signals selected for this movement.

Movement of Nature expression and the warning signals selected for this movement.2

Analysing data using Open Coding method.