Jiani Zeng and Honghao Deng: Wallpaper* Next Generation 2021
Our Next Generation 2021 showcase shines a light on 21 outstanding graduates from around the globe, Wallpaper’s pick of the best new talent in seven creative fields. Here, we profile MIT and Harvard University graduates Jiani Zeng and Honghao Deng.

Designers Jiani Zeng and Honghao Deng of MIT and Harvard University have been exploring the potential for 3D-printing to create products with entirely unique optical and physical properties, and experiences that have previously seemed impossible.
Their lenticular 3D-printing framework, ‘Illusory Material’, enables users to create dynamic colour and texture in real-life objects. Rather than simply replicating materials that already exist, they have looked beyond traditional methods of design, bringing the freedom of creating material from the digital world into reality.
Jiani Zeng and Honghao Deng. Dream collaborators: Norman Foster, Ross Lovegrove, Tokujin Yoshioka
They have printed a series of products that demonstrate the possibilities of ‘Illusory Material’. ‘The designs consist of two basic layers: the top layer comprises lenticular lenses, while colours or patterns are embedded into the base layer. The technique can be used to create a variety of 3D lenticular designs, such as shifting patterns, interactive written content, and even touch-sensitive visual effects,’ they say.
This new 3D-printing computational method relies on several different functioning layers of material, with information embedded into each three-dimensional pixel (voxel) to create interactive objects. ‘Illusory Material’ opens up new opportunities with multi-material 3D-printing: it has the capability to create unique expressions and sensory products that cannot be realised using other manufacturing processes or workflows. The innovative framework is poised to bring 3D digital material into the real world, offering bold reimaginings of everyday products.
INFORMATION
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Here’s how Heathrow is reimagining airport chaos as ambient music
Grammy-nominated Jordan Rakei turns travel noise into a meditative soundtrack by sampling everything from baggage belts to jet engines
-
Wallpaper* checks into Gansevoort Meatpacking, an art-filled hotel that mirrors the district’s glow-up
This sharp, stylish New York hotel is a fixture in its neighbourhood, where boutiques, restaurants and clubs have long since taken over spaces once occupied by slaughterhouses
-
Glenn Martens’ thrilling Maison Margiela debut was a balancing act between past, present and future
The Belgian designer made his debut for the house last night with a collection that looked towards medieval decoration for a new expression of opulence
-
Ammos: Wallpaper* Next Generation 2021
Our Next Generation showcase shines a light on 21 outstanding graduates from around the globe, Wallpaper’s pick of the best new talent in seven creative fields. Here, we profile six talented design students from Delft University, The Netherlands.
-
Charlotte Klinge: Wallpaper* Next Generation 2021
Our Next Generation 2021 showcase shines a light on 21 outstanding graduates from around the globe, Wallpaper’s pick of the best new talent in seven creative fields. Here, we profile Massey University graduate Charlotte Klinge.
-
Célestine Peuchot: Wallpaper* Next Generation 2021
Our Next Generation 2021 showcase shines a light on 21 outstanding graduates from around the globe, Wallpaper’s pick of the best new talent in seven creative fields. Here, we profile Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Célestine Peuchot.
-
Ariadna Sala Nadal: Wallpaper* Next Generation 2021
Our Next Generation 2021 showcase shines a light on 21 outstanding graduates from around the globe, Wallpaper’s pick of the best new talent in seven creative fields. Here, we profile Elisava design graduate Adriana Sala Nadal.