This paper explores a novel concept of textile-based shadow displays that incorporates shape memory alloys (SMA) on fabrics to cast dynamic shadows as an ambient information display. To explore this, we implemented a lamp prototype, capable of presenting a set of dynamic shadows. These shadows exemplified iconic vs. abstract shadow figures, as well as demonstrating changes in shadow sharpness, size and/or position on the lamp’s shade. We conducted a user study (n =8) to investigate the perception toward our concept. Our findings report that the concept does not only provide the potential for a variety of use cases, dynamic alterations of the shadows feel like a decorative addition to the living spaces, as well as creating relaxing channels of information display.

We present the design and prototype of ShadowSparrow, an ambient display utilizing lights & shadows. The concept uses illustrative bird images and other relevant visuals (e.g., dishwasher and e-mail icons) cast on the surroundings for ambient information visualizations and notifications. Our work creates an alternative channel to convey non-critical information in an unobtrusive and aesthetic way.

The amount of status and notification information available to people is increasing beyond the capacity of the current primary delivery channel of smartphones. Ambient displays, e.g. embedded in the home or work environment present an alternative channel, suited to less critical information. We created an ambient display by manipulating the natural shadows cast by a house plant to carry information. To explore user perceptions of the shadow display we evaluated it in a focus group (n = 6). Whilst participants saw some potential in the approach, there were concerns about identifying the meaning of the display and the psychological effects of distorting reality. The work highlights the potential for designers to explore the use of functional shadows to carry non-critical information.