The Philips Electronics company has various 'Design Probe' projects where they "explore the body as a platform for electronics and interactive skin technology". On their website they have a simulation of what their idea of
Stimulated by touch, an Electronic Tattoo traverses across the landscape of the body, navigated by desire
looks like. I think it looks neat although it's probably 15-20 years away. From what I can find out "a wafer thin screen could be inserted under human skin and be 'addressable' , meaning specific points on the screen could be contacted and given instructions on what to draw, where to move and at what speed. Addressable ink is feasibly inserted by using a tattoo needle". I have a couple of thoughts
- The dynamically moving tattoos that potentially slither around your body like snakes or pulse on and off like a disturbing living chinese checkers board might look cool.
- Ok you could hide your tattoos when convenient from your boss or mom or woteva...
- ...you could change your tattoos all the time to suit yourself. No more messy cover-ups when you want to change "Kelly Forever" to "Kenny Forever This Time For Sure"
- ...but does that not have the same value or statement of committment, permanency and meaning that some people and cultures associate with their body art?
- Is some corporation going to start sending advertisements to your skin?
- What happens if you get hacked? Will you be walking around all day with a giant "KICK ME" pulsing on your back/forehead?
Bookmarks