Taylor Tabb

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About

Taylor Tabb is a researcher at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and materials science, whose work reimagines how we integrate actuation into everyday surfaces. Tabb is best known for pioneering accessible, line-based actuators that move beyond traditional shape memory alloys and motor-driven systems. Their landmark paper, "ModiFiber" (2019, 42 citations), introduced a novel approach to creating thin, flexible actuators that can be seamlessly embedded into fabrics, paper art, hinges, soft robotics, and even human hair. This work has opened new possibilities for interactive textiles and responsive materials, making actuation more accessible to designers and researchers without specialized engineering backgrounds. Tabb’s contributions have been widely recognized for bridging the gap between material innovation and practical HCI applications, enabling more expressive and dynamic user interfaces. By democratizing the creation of line-based actuators, Tabb has influenced a growing community focused on soft robotics and smart materials, with their work cited as a foundational reference for accessible actuation in interactive systems. Their research continues to inspire new forms of wearable and deployable technology that blend seamlessly into our physical environment.