The display unit comprises a picture element, such as a picture point or picture segment, with an information which can be changed with electrically and/or electronically produced control parameters. The picture elements are directly or indirectly produced with actuators (1) made from expandable polymer networks with phase transfer behavior and phase transfer points which can be exceeded or not reached in a controlled manner. Independent claims are also included for the following: Process for the production of a picture element; and Process for the production of and structuring of actuators made from expandable polymer networks with phase transfer behavior.