User fabrication methods and user interaction of displays on irregular surfaces

"My project fits broadly into the research area of Human-Computer Interaction within the ICT Programme. Researchers in HCI are increasingly interested in personal fabrication techniques, considering end-user techniques in domains traditionally addressed by industrial manufacturing. In this Phd I intend to explore new ways to fabricate displays and liberate displays from their current, predominantly flat and rigid forms. By looking at particles that imbed intrinsic colour changing properties (e.g. Einks, Janus particles), I am working on 'spraying' information and basic displays onto non-flat non-rectangular surfaces. The intention is to allow end users to create displays anywhere and at any time, outside of a lab setting. I am specifically focussing on non-specialised users as part of the 'Maker' movement, moving such novel technologies away from a lab setting and towards practical user applications. In this work I intent to: (1) Open up the user experience design space by formalizing implications for user interfaces with unlimited display form factors; (2) Innovate and inspire technical developments of sprayable displays by harnessing advances in other fields; (3) Develop and apply other fabrication methods as a platform for non-experts."