Skin Database

According to a report from IBM, 90% of the world’s data had been created in the previous 2 years. And data growth continues to explode. By 2020, it is estimated that 1.7MB of data will be produced every second for each person on earth, which is 146.88GB per day per person. However, our current infrastructure can handle only a fraction of the coming data explosion, which is expected to consume all the world's microchip-grade silicon by 2040. Then the question is how can we store all of our data after 2040?

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The exponential growth rate of data is exceeding the ability to get stored even with the forecast improvements microchip-grade silicon-based storage technologies. As an alternative solution, scientists are developing a cutting-edge technology that uses DNA sequences to archive digital data. And they have successfully assembled synthesized oligonucleotides in vitro and add the nucleotides into the genome of E-coli according to the paper “CRISPR - Cas Encoding of a Digital Movie into the Genomes of a Population of Living Bacteria”, which proves the possibility of storing and retrieving data from living cells.

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We imagine that by the year 2040, each person will have limited Cloud storage while other traditional methods are no longer popular due to the short lifespan and limited capacity. For an average of 30 days, people need to download and archive their data from the cloud to their body and free up space from the cloud storage for the next month, using the cutting-edge product called TACTAG: a product that enable people to store digital memory on their skin.

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SKIN DATABASE ARTIFACTS

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MemoryTags

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a generic-engineered synthetic skin tissue that transplant into the human body for data storage, which aims to invite audiences to reflect how our body needs to adapt to this alternative human-computer interaction.

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TACTAG® machine:

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a converter that loads digital data into the human body through transplanted MemoryTags.

A device is created as a converter for people loading digital data into the human body through transplanted MemoryTags. The antenna attached to the device has a wireless connection to the cloud to download digital data. Tubes in the center contain necessary chemical materials for synthesizing DNA strands. It transfers binary codes into DNA strands by matching the sequence of code (00, 01, 10, 11) with  A(Adenine), C (Cytosine), G (Guanine) and T (Thymine) and then make into a gel that can be applied to the body directly. The tubes extended from the device, allowing the user to plug into the MemoryTags easily.

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TACTAG® manual:  

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‍(collaborated with Graphic Designer Yangyifan Dong)

an unusually long manual brochure functions as an instructional manual demonstrating how to use the device as well as side effects that may occur. It aims to evoke audiences’ awareness of safety and ethics issues resulting from DNA-editing applications. user instructions, the possible side effects, and background information.

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Embody:  

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a monologue video piece showcases the experience of Ashely, a speculated TACTAG® user who uploads her memory on her body but ends up with unforeseen issues. It not only conveys our product concept design but also intrigues audiences to attend to the intricacy and complex risks behind using nucleic acid as a data storage medium.

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This project inquiries not only a potential practice of biotechnology with an enormous impact on us but also invites reflection on possible modifications on the human body made to better adapt to the digital world. As a speculative design, it is both realistic and fictional. As a creative way to test and examine the hypothesis produced by emerging technology, this design facilitates ways to look forward to helping people better prepared for potential challenges.

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