This feature article describes the progress realized over the past half century in the field of surface-bound gradient structures created on or from soft materials (oligomers and/or polymers), or those enabling the study of the behavior of soft materials. By highlighting our work in the field and accounting for the contribution of other groups, we emphasize the exceptional versatility of gradient assemblies in facilitating fast screening of physicochemical phenomena, actin as "recording media" for monitoring a process, and playing a key role in the design and fabrication of surface-bound molecular and macromolecular motors capable of directing a transport phenomenon.