Espantable

Espantable is a fictional or speculative term used in design and game contexts to describe a modular, interactive table intended to create immersive or dramatic effects through synchronized sensory cues. The name derives from the Spanish verb espantar, meaning to scare, combined with the English suffix -able to indicate capability. In design fiction and experimental discussions, an espantable serves as a prop or surface that blends furniture with performance technology.

Design and features commonly attributed to an espantable include a sturdy, configurable tabletop, adjustable height, and modular sections that can be reconfigured to suit different scenes. Integrated components may include speakers, LED lighting, motion or proximity sensors, a projector or display module, and a control system for cue timing. Power is typically supplied via integrated cabling or a portable battery pack, with software interfaces for cue management and scenario programming.

Applications for the espantable are described primarily in theater, film production, immersive installations, escape rooms, and tabletop or role-playing environments. In these settings, the table can act as a central trigger for lighting, sound, or projections, or as a responsive surface that changes appearance based on user interaction.

Variants and related ideas include the Espantable Light, focused on ambient lighting effects; Espantable Pro, geared toward higher durability and industrial use; and Espantable Mini, a compact desktop version. While discussed in design fiction and experimental art contexts, there are few real-world productions, and proponents emphasize ethical considerations around user experience and consent when fear or suspense is involved.

See also: interactive furniture, smart table, immersive technology.