12. Skin Electronics¶

Research¶

During Week 12 of the Fabricademy program, the focus was on Skin Electronics, exploring the integration of electronic components directly onto or within the surface of the body through wearable technologies. The session emphasized the convergence of material science, digital fabrication, and human–computer interaction to create responsive and adaptive interfaces.

In this context, my project investigates the transformation of traditional Ethiopian necklaces and bracelets into technologically enhanced wearables. The objective is to preserve the cultural and aesthetic significance of these ancient adornments while embedding them with functional electronic systems, such as sensors, conductive threads, and microcontrollers. These integrations enable the jewelry to respond to environmental stimuli or physiological signals, thereby merging cultural heritage with contemporary innovation.

This approach demonstrates how digital fabrication and e-textile technologies can serve as tools for cultural preservation and modernization, fostering a dialogue between tradition and emerging scientific practices in wearable design. The session provided valuable insights into the potential of skin-integrated electronics to redefine personal expression, sustainability, and the interface between the human body and technology.

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get inspired!

Check out and research alumni pages to betetr understand how to document and get inspired

Skin Circuit - Grecia Bello - Fab Lab BCN
Interactive glove - Asli Aksan - Textile Lab Amsterdam
Face Mask - Riley Cox - Textile Lab Amsterdam
Skin electronics research - Julija Karas - Fab Lab BCN

References & Inspiration¶

During Week 12 of the Fabricademy program, the focus was on Skin Electronics, exploring the integration of electronic components directly onto or within the surface of the body through wearable technologies. The session emphasized the convergence of material science, digital fabrication, and human–computer interaction to create responsive and adaptive interfaces.
In this context, my project investigates the transformation of traditional Ethiopian necklaces and bracelets into technologically enhanced wearables. The objective is to preserve the cultural and aesthetic significance of these ancient adornments while embedding them with functional electronic systems, such as sensors, conductive threads, and microcontrollers. These integrations enable the jewelry to respond to environmental stimuli or physiological signals, thereby merging cultural heritage with contemporary innovation.
This approach demonstrates how digital fabrication and e-textile technologies can serve as tools for cultural preservation and modernization, fostering a dialogue between tradition and emerging scientific practices in wearable design. The session provided valuable insights into the potential of skin-integrated electronics to redefine personal expression, sustainability, and the interface between the human body and technology.

Fabricademy Skin Electronics - 2026 Lecture by Assoc. Prof. Katia Vega

Fabricademy Skin Electronics - 2026 Lecture by Assoc. Prof. Katia Vega

This week at Fabricademy focused on Skin Electronics, exploring the integration of electronic systems with the human body. The session emphasized the use of conductive materials, flexible substrates, and sensors to develop responsive wearable interfaces. It highlighted the intersection of digital fabrication, material science, and electronic design in advancing next-generation wearable technologies.

Project Inspiration¶

Inspired by the remarkable examples shared during the session, I found myself deeply fascinated by the concept of wearable electronics as ornamental design where circuits and aesthetics coexist seamlessly.
This exploration naturally led me back to my Ethiopian cultural heritage, renowned for its intricate jewelry traditions. From the elegant necklaces and bracelets of the highlands to the anklets and head adornments worn during ceremonies, each piece carries symbolic meaning and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
My project envisions reinterpreting these ancient Ethiopian jewelry forms through digital fabrication and electronic integration, transforming them into interactive wearables that preserve cultural identity while embracing technological innovation.

Ethiopian Cultural Jewelry

Tools¶

Process and workflow¶

Process Understanding¶

This week’s process was more systematic and manageable, supported by prior experience from E-textile and wearable technology sessions. The focus was on applying these concepts to the development of Ethiopian-inspired electronic jewelry, combining traditional aesthetics with functional circuitry.
However, several limitations were encountered, including restricted material availability and time constraints that affected the pace of experimentation and refinement. Despite these challenges, adaptive strategies were employed to continue progress efficiently.
This stage provided valuable technical understanding of circuit integration within wearable artifacts, laying the groundwork for the upcoming individual project on digitally enhanced Ethiopian jewelry design.

Prototyping Phase¶

The prototyping phase will focus on developing a fade-light LED system integrated into fabric surfaces, inspired by Ethiopian jewelry forms. The process will begin with measurements for fit including the neck, wrist, and leg to determine appropriate placement and proportion for the wearable components. Preliminary sketches and digital simulations will be created to visualize the design layout and circuit configuration before physical fabrication.

The Process¶

Step 1: Measurements and Base Preparation¶

Accurate measurements was taken for the selected body areas to ensure ergonomic fit. A stable base material will be prepared using fabric samples reinforced with paper backing to maintain structure during circuit assembly. Copper tape will be applied to outline the conductive pathways that will later connect the LEDs.

Taking Measurement

Step 2: LED Preparation¶

Individual LEDs will be trimmed and organized according to polarity, with the positive terminals marked for clarity. This step will ensure correct orientation during circuit integration and minimize the risk of short circuits.

Step 3: LED Attachment¶

The LEDs will be carefully positioned along the conductive thread pathways. This will create a continuous conductive surface while maintaining flexibility for fabric application.

Circuit development in Wokwi

Step 4: Power Connection and Circuit Testing¶

Small gaps will be cut beneath each LED to facilitate proper current flow. The circuit will then be connected to a 9V power source, allowing for controlled illumination and fade-light testing. Cartoon will be added to reinforce the structure and improve durability during handling.

Circuit Test in fabric and breadboard

Step 5: Fabric Integration and Fit Evaluation¶

The completed LED strip will be attached to fabric samples to evaluate flexibility, comfort, and aesthetic integration. The prototype will be tested around the neck and leg to assess visual impact and ergonomic performance.

Project Assembly¶

The final assembly will involve connecting four LEDs per strip to a 9V battery, depending on the desired brightness. The power source will be discreetly positioned to maintain the visual integrity of the design. The resulting prototype will function as a light-emitting choker, demonstrating the potential of merging traditional Ethiopian jewelry aesthetics with modern electronic functionality.
This experiment will provide a foundational understanding of fade-light behavior, circuit stability, and material compatibility, serving as a preliminary step toward developing fully integrated smart cultural wearables.

Code Example¶

I use the following code for circuit developmen.

// Sequential Fade 4 LEDs
int leds[] = {3, 5, 6, 9};
int count = 4;

void setup() {
  for (int i = 0; i < count; i++) {
    pinMode(leds[i], OUTPUT);
  }
}

void loop() {
  for (int i = 0; i < count; i++) {
    fadeIn(leds[i]);
    delay(200);
    fadeOut(leds[i]);
    delay(200);
  }
}

// Fade in function
void fadeIn(int pin) {
  for (int brightness = 0; brightness <= 255; brightness++) {
    analogWrite(pin, brightness);
    delay(5);
  }
}

// Fade out function
void fadeOut(int pin) {
  for (int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness--) {
    analogWrite(pin, brightness);
    delay(5);
  }
}