Researchers from MIT and Microsoft Research have come up with a new fabrication process named “DuoSkin”. It enables anyone to create customized functional devices that can be attached directly on their skin. Using gold metal leaf, a material that is cheap, skin-friendly, and robust for everyday wear, they demonstrate three types of on-skin interfaces: sensing touch input, displaying output, and wireless communication.
DuoSkin draws from the aesthetics found in metallic jewelry-like temporary tattoos to create on-skin devices which resemble jewelry. DuoSkin devices enable users to control their mobile devices, display information, and store information on their skin while serving as a statement of personal style.