Reflex: Dynamic Materials Study

Reflex is the combination of a wide range of design fields, culminated into a refined design concept and demonstrated in a working prototype executed to a high level of detail and quality. It is an original, novel and innovative concept, opening the door to new ways in which we interact with the built environment.

The key mechanism for Reflex materials is modifying a material\’s properties and allowing it to perform in ways it previously couldn\’t, and is achieved through sustainable manufacturing methods such as laser cutting. Expanding a material\’s properties allows it to be used in new functions, meaning low-impact materials can be chosen over unsustainable options. A stiff piece of wood can be made to stretch and bend through cutting a reflex pattern into it, and be used in the place of a synthetic polymer in an application where ductility is required.

Reflex materials only require a laser or water-jet cutter to product, and the working prototype demonstrates this idea can be feasibly executed. It uses existing materials and transforms them into something new, taking advantage simple principals and the inherent mechanical properties of the material. Through this process moving and reactive surfaces can be created, allowing us to interact with objects and a more natural and intuitive way.

Reflex uses materials and technology in a way that has never been done before. It enables whole a new way of interacting with our products, creating dynamic surfaces that move like we do. The potential for these materials to be applied to concepts far beyond the automotive industry.

The key to these materials is the pattern design, which balances material, functional and aesthetic requirements.

Several pattern designs and materials were explored during development until I reached one that gave me the desired flex and aesthetic.

The model is a salvaged and modified GMC Acadia IP panel, and is actuated using custom servo actuators controlled by Arduino.

The model has 5 operating modes to demonstrate the material’s potential and includes fans to create real airflow though the pattern.

All aspects of this project were completed by me, requiring skills from engineering, industrial and graphic design fields.