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12. SKIN ELECTRONICS

INSPIRATION

  1. Skin Display- Takao Someya Research Group: Japanese researchers have developed an ultrathin, stretchable electronic skin that monitors and displays heart activity in real time and transmits the data wirelessly for easy, noninvasive health tracking.

  2. Stephanie Johnson - LED mask with a sensor

  3. Alma Futura: creates a probiotic kit that allows people with vulvas to cultivate and apply beneficial bacteria for preventing infections, promoting self-care as an intimate and empowering biological practice.

  4. DuoSkin project, MIT’s Media Lab: creating wearable gold leaf tattoos that serve as functional devices—acting as touch controllers, color-changing displays, and NFC communication tools directly on the skin.

  5. The Dazzle club - CV Dazzle make up: they use bold, geometric makeup patterns to disrupt facial recognition systems during silent walks, turning their painted faces into a visible protest against surveillance and a way to spark public discussion about privacy in city spaces.

Pressure Matrix

We built a pressure matrix following the documentation of Julija Karas.

Tools:

  • Paper
  • Conductive copper tape
  • Velostat

We prepared a pressure matrix similar to the one in Emma’s example. Then, we used Emma’s code to read data from the serial monitor and obtain the values from the sensor matrix.

Connect pressure matrix - Emma Pareschi

pRessure Matric

For the circuit, we used the INPUT_PULLUP function instead of an external resistor.

Additionally, I experimented with creating a matrix using a biomaterial developed during the Textile Scaffold week. I sewed stripes of conductive tape onto the biomaterial, but the holes created by sewing seemed to interfere with the conductivity, making the matrix non-functional.

Pressure Matrix Biomaterial

Finally, we moved to Processing, where we read and visualized the data received via our pressure matrix.

NFC

We explored the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to share digital information.

First, we downloaded an NFC writing app on our smartphone. After scanning the NFC chip with the app, we selected the option to write data to the tag.

Next, we chose the URL option, entered the web link we wanted to store, and uploaded it to the chip.

Once written, the NFC tag can be read by any compatible device—simply bring another phone close to the chip, and the saved URL will automatically open or prompt the user to visit the website.

NFC Chip

Light Up Skin Electronics

  1. I created a face mask with three mini LEDs on each side of the cheeks and a light sensor, so when it gets dark, the LEDs light up. I was inspired by Stefanie Johnson’s project.

  2. At first, I made a construction out of conductive wire because I wanted the silver color and aesthetic. But the wire turned out to be too thin and difficult to handle, as it was fully conductive and touched places it shouldn’t. So I switched to using white-coated wire, which worked very well.

  3. Once I had the shape, I decided to position the LEDs on the cheeks. To connect them, I peeled off the insulation in certain parts to attach the LEDs. I first tested the circuit using normal LEDs before soldering the mini LEDs.

  4. The plus of the circuit is connected to D4 (but in the code, use D5 because there’s an error on the board). I also found that the pull-up doesn’t work with the light sensor, so I used a resistor instead. The minus is connected to GND.

  5. For the code, I used a basic light sensor code. The value of the light sensor has to be measured while the mask is on the face—you can read the value in the serial monitor and then adjust it so the mechanism works properly when the mask is worn.

LEDs Skin Electronics

Soldering mini LEDs:

The black part is the minus side—it’s really hard to see, so I checked it with a multimeter. To solder, first make a small dot with soldering wire where you want to place the LED. Because the LEDs are super tiny, use tweezers to place them, then remelt the solder so it attaches to the LED. Next, solder the other side. Make sure the wire is well fixed with tape so it doesn’t move while soldering. Afterwards, check the connection with a multimeter.

Code for light sensor and LEDs

// Light sensor LED control - LED lights up in darkness (0–24 values)

// Based on your working light sensor code

const int lightSensorPin = A0; // Light sensor on A0 const int lightThreshold = 1800; // Dark = below 1800 → LED ON const int ledPin = 5; // LED on pin 5

void setup() { pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(lightSensorPin, INPUT); // Define LED as output Serial.begin(9600); }

void loop() { int lightValue = analogRead(lightSensorPin); Serial.print("Light sensor reading: "); Serial.println(lightValue);

if (lightValue > lightThreshold) { // DARK (lower value)? LED ON digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // LED ON Serial.println("DARK - LED ON"); } else { // BRIGHT (higher value)? LED OFF digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // LED OFF Serial.println("BRIGHT - LED OFF"); }

delay(50); // Pause before next measurement }

FINAL