a funtional coffee table that when activated by touch displays the magnetic field of an array of rare earth magnets beneath a pool of ferrofluid. a map of the constellations was used to plot the array of magnets which are set on a tray that lies under the magnets. the tray turns when a wire connected to a qprox sensor set around the exterior of the table activates a motor controlled by a microproccessor. a window cut into the surface of the table and covered in glass allow the user to see the pool of ferrofluid inside the table. activated by sound, the table, exists to stimulate conversation between users. central to the design of the table are ideas based on the oval shape of planetary orbits, constellations, and the star like display of the magnetic fields.

three ideas were central to this project the earth the stars and man. three elements represent those ideas in the materials used to create the project. ferrofluid oil the earth, the user as man, the oval shape of the table as well as the constellations which are quoted in array of magnets that excite the oil. the overview is the users interaction with the table in order to make it work.

the design of the table is being creating by a pratt student, teaki oh, who saw the table and was excited by the idea of interactivity and the beauty of the ferrofluid material. being a second year at itp i was frustrated by the amount of "unpolished" working project i have created here at itp and jumped at the opportunity of a furniture designer completing that component of the project.

my target audience is users in a public space who do not know each other but share a moment through conversation inspired by the table.

the user aproaches the table which is the size of a small coffe table 44" x 26". the table has a layer of glass over it and inside a small window a pool of ferrofluid rests unnoticeably. one the user sits at the table and comes into contact with a tray hidden underneath the tabel begins to revovle and the fluid is exited into moving with the tray forming delicate pattern that inspire comment from the users we have tested.

body of the tabe is masde of one solid pour of non toxic grsade silicon. the ferrofluid is alos non toxic (carlyn has the datasheet on it) and sits below glass in the center of the table. the table is small 44"x26"x16" high and sits on the floor