“Bare” is a skin-safe conductive ink invented by four designers’ intent on creating a new space between wearable technologies and electronic implants by applying electronic circuitry directly to the skin.
A thorough study of the history of body art and ornamentation led to the creation of an ink that humanizes wearable technologies and provides a sensuous method of applying electronics to the body through customized circuitry.
Temporary, non-toxic and water-soluble, “Bare” is composed of conductive particles suspended in materials that are commonly found in food and cosmetic products. This combination is the result of extensive research into a wide array of inert and non-toxic ingredients allowing for the safe application directly on the skin.
The design-led development process behind “Bare” generated over 120 different material samples before reaching the final formula. “Bare” has the consistency of paint and can be applied with a brush, stamp or spray.
The ink is currently best suited to low power, information-lean applications such as switching and simple data transfer. The ink has the potential to replace and augment existing technologies where wires are cumbersome or undesirable.
“Bare Conductive” seamlessly connects traditional forms of body ornamentation with contemporary wearable electronics, humanizing wearable technologies, and providing an elegant alternative for the application of electronics to the body via customized circuitry. “Bare” is currently being developed for use in medical devices, stand alone products, rapid prototyping and larger-scale applications in the built environment.

Links: www.bareconductive.com

Matt Johnson (UK) has recently finished both his MA and MSc. Work has included the development of a skin-safe conductive ink and proprioception research.

Isabel Lizardi (US/UK) studied fine arts and Japanese studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and then moved to Kyoto, Japan where she studied traditional crafts for two years. In 2007 she moved to London to pursue a master’s degree in industrial design engineering at the Royal College of Art. She co-founded Bare Conductive Ltd.

Bibi Nelson (UK) did a master’s degree in innovation design engineering at the Royal College of Art, and before that she worked for Jason Bruges Studio, a Shoreditch-based design studio specializing in interactive lighting and installation.

Becky Pilditch (UK) is currently based at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College. She first became interested in prosthetics a few years ago during her mechanical engineering degree, when she realized that super + artificial limb = exciting opportunity.