Smart surfaces

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.