Smart surfaces
Screens of the Future by Universal Everything, Sheffield

Smart surfaces

Sheffield – Design studio Universal Everything has created a series of visual works that re-imagine commonplace surfaces such as technology-enabled interfaces.

Screens of the Future by Universal Everything, Sheffield

Sheffield – Design studio Universal Everything has created a series of visual works that re-imagine commonplace surfaces such as technology-enabled interfaces.

  • The video artworks are part of an ongoing project, the first iteration of which was shown during the studio’s solo exhibition Anthropologies at Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery
  • The Screens of the Future film prototypes were developed from emerging technologies

With phone manufacturers pioneering flexible display prototypes, scientists programming shape-shifting materials and context-aware capabilities increasingly incorporated into the Internet of Things, Universal Everything has explored the huge potential in these emerging technologies to envisage a future in which smart surfaces are increasingly integrated into everyday life.

Comprising 18 video artworks, the series features concepts that are both purely aesthetic and have a more functional purpose. Digitally patterned hats, fish with a display that tells you when they need to be fed, and plates that recognise and project the nutritional value of food are just some of the ideas presented.

‘The films highlight humanity’s increasingly integrated relationship with technology, serving as product demos of our near future,’ Universal Everything told It’s Nice That.

The Big Picture

We are seeing the next iteration of Awakening Tech in which the digital and physical worlds become increasingly entwined. See our Talent piece for more on Universal Everything’s humanising approach to digital technology.

Discover More Daily Signals
Dutch Design Week 2025: kidult aesthetics and serious play

Daily Signals

Dutch Design Week 2025: kidult aesthetics and serious play

On a rainy day in Eindhoven, the design capital of The Netherlands, artists and designers showed us something that really makes us human, that sets...
Design : Dutch Design Week : Play
The Future Laboratory presents The Synthocene Era at TheIndustry.fashion summit

Daily Signals

The Future Laboratory presents The Synthocene Era at TheIndustry.fashion summit

At Nobu Hotel in Marylebone, London, TheIndustry.fashion’s Fashion Retail Reset Summit brought together global executives, industry experts and tho...
Fashion : Global Events : The Future Laboratory
Foresight Friday: Angus Cross, head of business development

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Angus Cross, head of business development

Every Friday, The Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, ...
Foresight Friday : Mobility : Fashion
Stat: UK regenerative coffee sales triple as climate pressures mount

Daily Signals

Stat: UK regenerative coffee sales triple as climate pressures mount

Regenerative coffee sales in the UK have nearly tripled in 2025, signalling a shift toward sustainability in the nation’s £3.6bn ($4.8bn, €4.5...
Coffee : Food : Statistic
Dutch Design Week 2025: Digital afterlives and making space for grief

Daily Signals

Dutch Design Week 2025: Digital afterlives and making space for grief

Dutch Design Week 2025 has so far prompted visitors to question what it means to be human, and what challenges that notion more than death itself.
Dutch Design Week : Design : Global Events
ASOS Live redefines fashion shopping through creator-led video content

Daily Signals

ASOS Live redefines fashion shopping through creator-led video content

ASOS has launched ASOS Live, a new video shopping experience designed to merge inspiration, content and commerce within its app.
Fashion : Asos : Retail
Stat: Gen Alpha face stricter screen time controls at home and school

Daily Signals

Stat: Gen Alpha face stricter screen time controls at home and school

New survey data from Morning Consult reveals that technology bans are already widespread in schools across the US, with more than half of parents o...
Technology : Gen Alpha : Education
Dutch Design Week 2025: Slowing AI and fostering empathy

Daily Signals

Dutch Design Week 2025: Slowing AI and fostering empathy

The 25th edition of Dutch Design Week has kicked off in Eindhoven with this year’s anniversary theme being Past, Present, Possible. The purpose of ...
Dutch Design Week : DDW : Global Events
Oatly’s Future of Taste report spotlights flavours shaping global beverage culture

Daily Signals

Oatly’s Future of Taste report spotlights flavours shaping global beverage culture

Oatly has unveiled its first Future of Taste report, charting the flavours and formats set to influence global beverage culture.
Food : Drink : Flavour
Stat: Size inclusivity stalls on spring/summer 2026 catwalks

Daily Signals

Stat: Size inclusivity stalls on spring/summer 2026 catwalks

The Vogue Business Spring/Summer 2026 Size Inclusivity Report reveals disappointing progress on fashion’s size representation. Of 9,038 runway look...
Fashion : Identity : Stat
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN