Magical Furniture That Changes Shape
Vishal Khan
Apr 26, 2014
Trying to pull furniture into the realm of automated and technologically-advanced devices that flood homes presently, this great new innovation is aimed at creating house furnishings that respond directly to you.
READ ALSO: Place IKEA furnitures in your room directly from your smartphone! How?
A project by MIT’s Tangible Media Group, the device titled Transform is all set to make shape-shifting sofas or lounges a reality.
The Developers
Transform’s team of developers comprise Sean Follmer, Daniel Leithinger and Hiroshi Ishii, who showcased the ‘magical’ device at the Lexus Design Amazing display during Milan Design Week.
How It Works
Transform has been described by the team as a table, and looks simply like a rectangular object with 1,152 plastic pins with individual microprocessors sitting underneath. The movement of the pins is controlled by a computer program, pushing them up to look like sandcastles, and giving rise to undulating wave motions.
Metamorphosing According To Emotions
When you bring you hand close to the pins or run your finger above, they retract as if they are afraid of you. Incorporating the best method yet of physical interaction with technology, Transform is aimed at bringing the entire experience to the comfort of your home.
Humanising Technology
Working on their belief that interactions with technology doesn’t have to be limited to staring at a computer screen or handheld device, the developers of Transform are focused at embedding technology into your everyday surroundings, such that it becomes a part of your daily routine.
Touchscreen Vs Transform
Although touchscreen do integrate some level of interaction with technology, with the tips of your fingers to be precise; the devices aren’t as animated as a product like Transform. Satisfying the human desires of materiality and tactility, Transform tries to save the world from a glass-covered future.
Interacting With You
Transform interacts with you, gauges your mood, your surroundings, and change accordingly to make sure you are satisfied. Still a rough concept, Transform is expected to behave as much more than just a piece of furniture when it is complete.
