While various devices have become increasingly miniaturized in recent years, development of devices that can be attached directly to the body is also progressing.

DuoSkin, developed in collaboration between MIT Media Lab and Microsoft, is a new type of device that combines functionality and fashion. It features geometric gold and silver patterns that are applied to the skin like tattoo stickers and can perform a variety of functions. It has three main functions, all of which are likely to be applied in a variety of fields in the future.

The first is the "input function," which allows users to operate smartphones and other devices by touching the tattoo. The second is the "output display function," which senses skin temperature and changes the color of the tattoo. The third is the "communication function," which allows users to use the tattoo itself as a movie ticket and verify their identity by scanning it.

Although DuoSkin may seem high-tech, its construction is actually quite simple: simply draw the circuit on a computer, print it on vinyl, then apply gold and silver foil and cut it out. Another advantage is that all the materials are inexpensive. Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao, a central figure on the development team, is originally from Taiwan, and she explains that makeup and street fashion cultures are deeply rooted in Taiwan.

Because cosmetics and other products are inexpensive, young people are comfortable decorating and changing their appearance without spending a lot of money, and it's become a part of their daily lives. This aspect is likely one of the reasons behind this project. While on-skin user interfaces like Duoskin are still unknown and somewhat mysterious at present, the development team believes they will be successfully incorporated into everyday life and become widespread in the near future.

This article has been translated and written with permission from (Source: http://duoskin.media.mit.edu/).