New York 2015: textile designer Dusen Dusen has used magnetic wallpaper to create an interactive mural for the 2015 Wanted Design show in Brooklyn (+ slideshow).

Known for its 1980s-style graphic prints, Dusen Dusen collaborated with Visual Magnetics – a producer of magnetic surfaces – on the temporary installation. The gradient-on-gradient mural was made using ModuLayer, an offering within the company's collection of printable surface materials.

Measuring 5 metres wide by 2.5 metres high, the mural comprises a base layer overlaid with organic and geometric shapes that can be moved around by visitors, resulting in an ever-shifting pattern.

The Wanted installation marks the first time Dusen Dusen has designed a wall covering. Founded in 2010, the Brooklyn-based studio produces clothing and home decor, with patterns typically composed of simple shapes set against solid backgrounds.

For Wanted Design Brooklyn, Studio head Ellen Van Dusen told Dezeen that she wanted to create an installation to reflect her typical design process.

"I often will start with cut-out shapes and move them around until I feel it's balanced and cohesive," Van Dusen said. "I was able to do that on a much larger scale with the wall pieces."

"I worked with gradient on gradient because I thought that if other people came in and moved things around, it would still maintain the balance," she added. "It has been fun to see what other people have come up with on the wall — mostly people have been making faces."

Van Dusen grew up in Washington DC, the daughter of two architects. She developed an early interest in design and went on to study the psychology of design at Tufts University.

She cites mid-century resort architecture, Italian industrial design, Scandinavian textiles, Google Maps and handwriting as sources of inspiration.

"I always looked at geometry and line as a guiding principal in design," she said. "I specifically am interested in colour and the way patterns read in the brain, which is why I think I have taken the path that I have."

Dusen Dusen's installation is one of hundreds of pieces on display at Wanted Design Brooklyn, an exhibition held at a former industrial complex that is open to the public until 19 May.

The studio previously created prints in collaboration with Print All Over Me, which were shown during New York design week last year.