michelle rinow transforms lighting into a colorful and tactile play experience

through the use of kinetic textiles and colorful yarns, UK-based material designer michelle rinow has turned everyday light fixtures into an interactive and tactile experience. developed from research on the benefits of sensory play for adults, the transforming touch lighting series replaces typical cold and rigid materials with something soft, fluid and responsive. by reimagining how we interact with household items, the project seeks to turn interiors into softer and more playful spaces.

transforming touch wall light series

all images courtesy of michelle rinow

when touched, the pieces expand and illuminate, exposing an exciting variety of colors or changing shapes as they transform. rinow‘s designs combine industrially knitted fabric with inflatable structures, touch sensors and LED lights to allow the work to playfully transform in response to the user’s touch. the soft, plush rim of the lighting acts as a switch. when squished, squeezed, poked or stroked, the light activates and moves. the inner portion of the light is made of a rubber inflatable that enables the lighting to change shape.

video courtesy of michelle rinow

the project comes in two forms, as a wall mounted light or as a table light. reminiscent of children’s play blocks, the forms use bold geometric shapes such as rectangles, squares and circles. bold shades of soft cotton and silk yarns are utilized to inspire a playful interaction from users.

transforming touch wall light triptych (square)

transforming touch calls attention to how we touch and interact with the technologies within our homes. the series goes back to the power of textiles as tactile objects. knitting is a powerful medium because it has a strong sense of familiarity and coziness while also having the unique ability to stretch. usually knitted fabrics are worn on the body, but this collection explores the idea of using knits to soften our living environments and the technology within our environments. 

transforming touch wall light (square)

transforming touch wall light (square)

transforming touch wall light (square detail)

transforming touch wall light triptych (circle)

transforming touch wall light (circle)

transforming touch table light

project info:

project name: transforming touch lighting series
design: michelle rinow

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom