Dynamic Buttons Are Weird Blobs You Can Press

The Future Interface Group at Carnegie Mellon University has developed an innovative technology called DynaButtons, which allows buttons to dynamically appear and disappear on a flat surface. Utilizing electro-osmotic pump technology, these buttons are formed by using electricity to move a fluid under a flexible surface, creating dimple-shaped buttons that raise up like bubbles of goo.

The team has significantly improved the flow-rate of these pumps by 300% compared to traditional designs, and they have also integrated sensing capabilities for interactivity. This allows the buttons to pop up as needed and respond quickly and smoothly. DynaButtons can change their position in an analog manner, both raising above and deflating below the base surface on command, making them a versatile and responsive interface technology.

Read more: Dynamic Buttons Are Weird Blobs You Can Press