Dynamic data physicalization by unimorph dielectric elastomer actuators

Abstract

Physicalization helps the user understand complex data intuitively. Especially when confronted with complex, multidimensional datasets as in the smart home environment, classic graphical user interfaces struggle to visualize data in a way compatible with the paradigm of Calm Technology and new means of displaying data need to be explored, to decrease the cognitive burden on the user. Shape changing interfaces (SCI) using smart materials can change their appearance under electrical stimuli and provide the means to physicalize the data found in the smart home from sensors, appliances or others. Within the scope of this work, a smart display using dielectric elastomer unimorph actuators (UDEA) is developed, which can be used to explore how dielectric elastomers (DE) can be used for an SCI. A dynamic model of previous work has been adapted to the updated geometry. Reproducible production of the actuators is one focus of the current work. A novel sheet-to-sheet process for manufacturing multilayer DE-laminates is presented. Manual processing of the laminates to actuators is described and effects of human error on actuator performance in this process is assessed and found to be low to ensure reproducible fabrication. Finally the system design is presented and discussed. The developed display allows controlling 15 independent shape changing devices and will allow to gain more knowledge about physicalization of data using DE actuators.