"Sing It" Tattoo

Through a tattoo-like conductive ink interface layered on the skin, Sing It Tattoo demonstrates how real-time touch interaction can transform gestures into an expressive, playable musical experience, blending physical sensation, electronic sensing, and sound design.

Year: 2023

Role: Designer

Type of Project: Interactive Music / Digital Art

Watch Here

Charlotte Ke presented Sing It Tattoo in interactive demonstrations at NYU Music Tech Open Performance Day

Body as the Canvas

The human body is the canvas, and touch is the medium of expression. Sing It Tattoo reimagines a wearable musical interface, highlighting how gesture, technology, and sound interact. This project explores the boundaries between physical sensation and musical creation, allowing participants to experience music in a direct, embodied, and playful way. Inspiration comes from wearable technology, experimental music, and interactive art, emphasizing human-computer collaboration as a medium for creativity.

Design & Interaction

The tattoo-like interface is applied on top of the skin, forming a touch-responsive layer. Each touch triggers MIDI notes, and participants can also manipulate octave controls or interact with a pre-recorded track.

• Real-time feedback: Touching the interface produces immediate sound output, creating a dynamic loop between gesture and auditory response.

• Expressive control: Users can experiment with rhythm, timing, and note combinations, making each performance unique.

• Embodied interaction: While the interface sits on the skin, the tactile nature encourages play, exploration, and intimate engagement with sound.

Playable Experience

Sing It Tattoo invites participants to reconnect with gesture, sound, and creative exploration. Interacting with the interface encourages mindful attention, improvisation, and playful experimentation, as users experience the co-creation of movement and sound.

The project bridges interactive art, experimental music, and human-computer interaction, demonstrating how technology can expand expressive possibilities while remaining tactile, playful, and immersive.