This year's WantedDesign show in New York City saw the concept of interactive benches, namely, an illuminated, touch-activated bench dubbed 'Mobius.'
Furniture designer Louis Lim of 'Makingworks' collaborated with '3form' to debut 'Mobius.' The large circular bench was made from a materiel called 'dark chroma' -- something the design brand 3form created themselves. The light Mobius produces is described as "light ripples throughout the bench like a stone dropped into a fluorescent pool depending on where you tap it and how hard you do it."
The bench is a part-furniture, part-lighting experience which is activated by participants sitting on it, encouraging people to engage and seek inspiration from the most mundane of surroundings.
Illuminated Interactive Benches
'Mobius' is a Glowing Bench That is Activated by Touch
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Benches - Interactive and touch-activated benches are becoming more prevalent in public spaces.
2. Lighting Integration - Incorporating lighting into furniture is a growing trend that offers potential for creative design.
3. Sensory Furniture - Furniture designers are using sensory experiences, such as touch activation and light displays, to create unique and engaging pieces.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Furniture designers can integrate technology and sensory experiences into their pieces to create innovative products for consumers.
2. Public Spaces - Parks, plazas and other public spaces can incorporate interactive benches to increase user engagement and create a more fun experience.
3. Lighting Design - Lighting designers can explore new products and materials that can integrate lighting into furniture in creative ways.