MotorSkins originated at the cross-roads between material science and design: research into plant structures and their movement upon drying birthed a conceptual and practical journey focused on translating the principles of the former into design premises. Fundamentally, we believe in the potential of matter and material exploration, and this transpires into everything we do. We like to explore the possibilities of a given material and the properties that emerge when arranged in certain ways, making textile-based materials into metamaterials, looking into natural and biological shapes and principles for inspiration. Thus, we have developed a library of different geometries, structures and material arrangements that can perform movements such as pull, push, bend, or stiffen. These elements can then be applied to the body in various ways and combinations to perform specific functions such as assisting or preventing the bending of a joint. Torque, forces, anchoring points and various parameters are indeed of the utmost importance, but so are usability, comfort, acceptance and ease. By using a textile platform to construct a powered garment, we designed a soft exoskeleton for everyman.