Elaine Yan Ling Ng’s interactive Sundew installation coils in response to movement

Crystal-covered strands in London designer Elaine Yan Ling Ng’s Design Miami/Basel installation respond to movement nearby by curling and twisting, as shown in this movie filmed by Dezeen (+ movie).

Ng created the Sundew installation for her commission as one of the 2015 Designers of the Future Award winners, which was presented at the Design Miami/Basel fair last month.

Filmed at the event, the movie shows how the tendrils of the three jellyfish-shaped pieces rise and twist around their central poles.

The changes in shape are designed to mimic movements of a tiny carnivorous plant as it pulls its tentacles over an insect.

Strands of a non-woven textile fused with Swarovski Crystal Fabric react to movement, twisting on their vertical poles into tighter coils.

Each of the coloured designs contorts in a slightly different way in response to motion detected by hidden sensors.

Ng was one of three recipients of the 2015 Designers of the Future Award, along with Spanish designer Tomás Alonso and London-based Studio Swine.

The designers were challenged to use crystals from Swarovski – the award’s sponsor – in a unique way.

Studio Swine designed a collection of tools for exploring a fictional crystal planet, while Alonso created objects based on the 47-degree cutting angle used to optimise the reflection and refraction of light within crystal.

Design Miami/Basel took place from 16 to 21 June 2015.

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