The invention provides a shape change device (20) utilising a plurality of particles (28) of electroactive polymer material embedded within a compliant material matrix (24) and adapted to deform in response to application of an electrical stimulus. A resultant shape-change of the compliant matrix enables realisation of a particular deformation profile across a surface of the compliant material. Particles are stimulated in plural groups by one or more arrangements of electrodes (34). Shapes, sizes, dimensionalities and locations of stimulated EAP particle regions may be selectively chosen to initiate a particular response in the material, and produce a particular desired deformation profile across the material surface.