From Prototype to Platform
How the Touch Board Connected Physical and Digital Worlds for Bare Conductive
THE CHALLENGE
Bare Conductive needed to bridge physical manufacturing constraints with digital user experiences—essentially ‘connecting cardboard boxes to the internet.' The challenge was creating seamless end-to-end experiences for diverse user groups whilst navigating the realities of hardware production and IoT connectivity.
THE INSIGHT
Through working with varied user communities—from children making interactive paintings to engineers prototyping—we discovered that the real opportunity wasn't just in the hardware. Users needed an entire ecosystem that made conductive technology accessible, regardless of their technical background. The Touch Board could be the catalyst for democratising interactive technology.
THE SOLUTION
We developed the Touch Board as an open-source microcontroller that worked seamlessly with Bare's Electric Paint that lowered the boundary of entry. The integrated approach created pathways for experimentation across varied communities, from creative applications to professional prototyping. Our successful Kickstarter campaign validated the market demand and provided the foundation for scaling.
THE IMPACT
The Touch Board became the key for Bare Conductive's transformation from prototype to commercial success. Over four years, the foundation we built enabled the company to develop multiple products and supporting services. The business has now evolved into Laiier.io, offering large-scale printed sensors to commercial partners—proving the original vision of seamless physical-digital integration.
Designed as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, and permanent staff member at Bare Conductive
—
The Touch Board prototype is in permanent collection at the MAK Museum in Vienna
The Touch Board was nominated for the Designs of the Year 2014, and exhibited at the Design Museum London
“Ala transformed the Touch Board from a circuit board into a jewel that is loved by an international community of engineers, designers, makers, artists, and educators. She helped us build a vision that went well-beyond our technology, proving that telling our story is just as important as the technology that underlies it.”
— Matt Johnson, CEO Laiier.io (former CEO Bare Conductive)