Active Wallpaper

We can use flat surfaces at home or work as a display or or changeable view. Even talked to an office environment manufacturer that was looking at embedding this idea in cubicles. Here the idea is to use a wall surface as an interactive device that includes a number of sensors that can detect temperature or touch to signal devices connected to it. A feature of the smart home? Or should devices just be as simple and as movable as possible? Inclined to think simpler is better.