Under the theme Radical Atoms, the 2016 edition of Ars Electronica Festival referenced the MIT’s Tangible Media Group research project to present a strong focus on new materials, which owe to the fast development of nanotechnologies in recent years.
The present paper proposes to further discuss the Radical Atoms vision and the relevance of the Ars Electronica curatorial intent. By highlighting the possibilities opened by material user interfaces, the exhibit opens debate on the relation between materiality and information in the design of engaging experiences of technological artifacts.