cirquids low-tech circuit boards developed by dorothee clasen

initiated as a bachelor’s thesis at KISD, designer dorothee clasen’s ‘cirquids’ explores a novel, low-tech method for creating printed circuit boards. instead of utilizing silver or copper-based components, as is industry standard, clasen instead uses nothing more than wax, salt, and water. the results are temporary, lasting only as long as moisture resides, but nevertheless has some curious potential.

‘cirquids’
images © dorothee clasen

‘cirquids’ is represented by a diverse collection of paper devices, built by clasen, with attached electronics. possibilities include turning paper into three-dimensional objects that react to touch, or for a squeezable section to act as current regulator. due to ease of creation, ‘cirquids’ is a viable approach for designers to confront and explore low-tech PCBs. 

conduction by saltwater

video courtesy of dorothee clasen

defining circuit layout with wax prints and salt water 

two-and-three dimensional studies

prototypes

sounds are triggered when saltwater passes a specific region in the paper

squeezable potentiometer 

when moisture is introduced, deformation is commenced by a shape-memory alloy

printed circuits remain conductive until liquids fully dry, leaving only salt behind 

PCB and attiny85 micro-controller

brushed conductive path

hidden LED

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

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