The ProtoSpray process opens up potential to develop interactive objects of different (arbitrary) shapes.
A team at Bristol has challenged the idea that touchscreens are limited to 2D and rectangular shapes by developing an interactive display that can be sprayed in any shape.
Inspired by the way an artist creates graffiti on a wall and using a novel combination of sprayable electronics and 3D printing, the technique, called ProtoSpray, allows the creation of displays on surfaces that go beyond the usual rectangular and 2D shapes.
“We have liberated displays from their 2D rectangular casings by developing a process so people can build interactive objects of any shape. The process is very accessible: it allows end-users to create objects with conductive plastic and electroluminescent paint even if they don’t have expertise in these materials,” said Ollie Hanton, PhD student and lead author of the research.
Mr Hanton’s paper on the innovation was presented and received an honourable mention at the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) – generally considered the most prestigious academic conference in the field of human-computer interaction.
The aim of the EPSRC-funded research was to broaden the scope of how people can interact with digital technologies. The ProtoSpray process, developed in collaboration with the MIT media lab, opens up potential for makers, hobbyists and researchers to develop interactive objects of different (arbitrary) shapes.

“3D printers have enabled personal fabrication of objects but our work takes this even further to where we print not only plastic but also other materials that are essential for creating displays. Using 3D printing of plastics and spraying of materials that light up when electricity is applied, we can support makers to produce objects of all shapes that can display information and detect touch.
“Our vision is to make screen/display a fundamental expressive medium in the same way people currently use ink, paint, or clay,” said Mr Hanton.
Dr Anne Roudaut, Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Bristol, who supervised the research, said the next step would be to create a machine that can both 3D print and spray automatically onto the 3D printed objects.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Interactive touchscreen display
- Hilarious moment hungry McDonald’s customer ‘tries to buy burger on touch screen… but it’s just a poster’
A HUNGRY McDonald's customer tried to order his takeaway on a big touch screen board - without ... man on camera trying to swipe at a screen which was not interactive. Hysterically, he attempts ...
- Hilarious moment hungry McDonald’s customer ‘tries to buy burger on touch screen… but it’s just a poster’
A HUNGRY McDonald’s customer tried to order his takeaway on a big touch screen board – without realising it was just a digital poster. A video capturing the hilarious blunder went ...
- Interactive Touch Screen Display Market Trends by Manufacturers, Global Industry Demand, Growth Opportunities, Size, Scope, Future Growth by 2027
Global “Interactive Touch Screen Display Market” research is an intelligence report with meticulous undertaken by top ...
- 6 Best Smart Fitness Mirrors for Home Workouts
Most interactive mirrors offer real-time feedback ... Jump down to see which fitness mirrors made our list. Doesn't have a touchscreen display Can't stream non-Mirror content Membership required ...
- ZEISS Microscopy Showcases New Interactive Display Wall at Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) 2022 Conference
ZEISS is installing a new interactive display wall that celebrates researchers' breakthroughs at M&M 2022, in Portland, OR, booth 1018, from July 31 to August 4. The wall features an interactive touch ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Interactive touchscreen display
Go deeper with Bing News on:
ProtoSpray
- Feed has no items.