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arose in response to current trends towards increasing connectivity and
technology as self-expression. To realize a state of constant, seamless
connectivity and computability required the convergence of technology
and self. The body would need to literally become the interface.
Computers and communication devices require physical space, surfaces,
and energy. The idea of DNA tattoos (Dattoos) is to use the body itself
as hardware and interaction platform, through the use of
minimally-invasive, recyclable materials ."
(Warning: You are either going to find the idea behind Dattoos very
cool, or very creepy. I'm not sure there's a lot of room in between.)
Dattoos: Body Art Melds DNA, Computing
Here are questions by Clark Boyd to Hartmut Esslinger, founder and co-CEO of Frog Design . He responded via email.
FROM DISCOVERY NEWS...
- Analysis by Clark Boyd
Tue Aug 24, 2010
Q1) How did the Dattoo idea get started, and why? What was the inspiration?
A couple years ago we were asked by Forrester Research to make an inspiring presentation at a conference about innovation for
high-level executives. And I thought that the best way to illustrate the
coming challenges of converging digital technology with the human body
would be to take today’s speculative lab research about organic
computing and singularity -- as also put forward by Ray Kurzweil -- and then conceptualize it into “product concepts” which would illustrate how usability and user experience may evolve.
“Dattoos”
was just one of four futuristic concepts, but it is the most radical
one: a media computer as part of the skin and the body with a design
inspired by the art of Asian tattoo patterns. I also want to say that
the project created so much excitement within Frog and Forrester, that
we went from ideation to finish in 10 days.
2) How would it capture a user's DNA, and why? What purpose would that serve?
As
“Dattoos” are thought to be highly personal (e.g. self-designed pattern
and then printed and transferred onto the skin), they also must connect
to the personal database of the user, which is key for verification and
security. This also means that nobody can pose as somebody else as it
is possible today. And it also would ensure more ethical online
behaviors (e.g. in social networks or blogs) and abolish today’s
loopholes which enable abuse of the First Amendment by people who author Jaron Lanier calls the “digital mob."
The “how to make this?” I don’t know yet, but it will become feasible.
3) What's the energy source? What would the display be like?
The
entire product is thought to be “nano-organic,” built with substances
by which the human body is built as well. The energy source would be body heat and eventually blood sugar . The display would be an advanced design of OLEDs , just much thinner and more flexible than today.
4) What kinds of "apps" do you envision for Dattoos?
Being
connected, informed, fun and managing life. One idea could be that
users can “rub” content onto the Dattoos of others, which would bring
physical interaction back. They also could be used for better body
posture, training and also brain-wave enhancement. And naturally,
Dattoos also would serve as an app for body fashion, enabling people to
visually express themselves.
5) They would be printable -- how would a user print new ones? Would users be able to design their own?
The
“design-print-transfer” production can be compared with transfer
decals. The idea is that the user can create a new design every day, or
buy one from other people. They could load up the features, including
the nano-chip designs, print it and stick it onto his or her skin. The
glue would probably work like honey and to get it off, a shower with
soap would do the trick. Naturally, one would have to avoid heavy rain
or swimming.
7) How close is the Dattoo to actually being a working prototype?
So far, Dattoos are design fiction. The concept is based upon speculative research. However, I believe that we designers shouldn’t leave the design of BANG (Bits, Atoms, Neurons & Genes) just with the more technocratic scientists .
Projecting
the fusion of futuristic technology into our human life and body must
meet our functional and emotional requirements. Esthetics and
“Art-Thinking” are viable tools when we are envisioning new solutions
for the higher purpose of human culture.
8) What would you say to people who might be scared to let technology have that much access to their genetic code ?
This is and will be a personal choice. However, authorities, insurance companies, banks, Google and friends on Facebook , most of whom I don’t know personally, probably know more about me
than myself. I just visited a great exhibition about personal identity
and privacy at Ando’s “Design 21_21” museum in Tokyo including some wonderful student projects.
There are no secrets anymore. The challenge is how we deal with sensitive information in a graceful way.
So, what do you think? Cool, or creepy, or both? Would you want to wear a "Dattoo?"
Also, be sure to check out some other projects that meld body and computer. There's Skinput , and also MIT's Sixth Sense project .
FROM DISCOVERY NEWS...
- Analysis by Clark Boyd
Tue Aug 24, 2010
I think it a great idea - provided that it is purely a personal decision and not compulsory.