# Using Kirigami Techniques to Make Functional Designs

> **Key Architectural Takeaway:** The variant of origami called kirigami (‘cut paper’ in Japanese) also starts off with a sheet of paper, but it allows for cutting the paper to increase the number of shapes that you can create.

**Published:** 2026-10-13T02:00:49+00:00  
**Source:** Hackaday Hardware  
**Category:** open-hardware  
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/using-kirigami-techniques-to-make-functional-designs.html  

## Executive Summary
The variant of origami called kirigami (‘cut paper’ in Japanese) also starts off with a sheet of paper, but it allows for cutting the paper to increase the number of shapes that you can create. It is this technique that [Matthew Lim] used to create a number of three-dimensional designs that can convert between a flat configuration and some kind of functional object without any bolts, glue or similar.

## Architectural & Systems Analysis
From a silicon and hardware engineering viewpoint:

- **Interface Neutrality:** Mitigates dependency on proprietary BSPs, empowering open toolchains to address hardware directly.
- **Supply Chain Verification:** Schematics and open pinouts allow deterministic audits against silicon errata.
- **Lifecycle Decoupling:** Decouples physical hardware utility from commercial vendor end-of-life obsolescence.

## Impact on the Open Ecosystem
Ensures that computational autonomy remains in the hands of the architect rather than closed silicon vendors.