The present invention provides electroactive polymer transducers that
produce out-of-plane deflections. The transducers form a set of surface
features based on deflection of an electroactive polymer. The set of
surface features may include elevated polymer surface features and/or
depressed electrode surface features. Actuation of an active area may
produce the polymer deflection that creates one or more surface features.
A passive layer may operably connect to a polymer. The passive layer may
comprise a thicker and softer material to amplify polymer thickness
changes and increase surface feature visibility.