Paving the way to post-digital smart materials. Experiments on human perceptions of a bio-inspired cellulose-based responsive interface

The paper aims to frame the emerging scenario of hybrid interactive systems and pave the way for post-digital interactive materials, proposing organic material interactive interfaces as a potential alternative to digital and electronic-based ones. Supported by the theoretical background and related works, a case study developed by one of the authors has presented: a cellulose-based interactive interface where the material itself works as a sensor and an actuator. This new generation of smart materials enables and implies novel experiential patterns to observe and discuss. An exploratory workshop on this novel typology of material interface carried out by one of the authors is then described addressing the critical issues of users’ perception and appreciation. The methodology of the activity is based on quantitative and qualitative data collection through a questionnaire made of scale questions and open-ended questions, plus direct observation and discussions with the participants. The activity integrates the lens of Materials Experience, in order to overcome the missing understanding of the experiences enabled and implied by this interface. Prominent findings unfold the relationship between temporal and static expressions. Finally, biomimicry arises as an approach to transfer the feeling of nature and to create more intuitive interaction.