What if an umbrella could cry acid rain? Or an apple could display spots to show it has been contaminated?

Primitive Labs is a research and design organization that develops bioplastic display technologies – with a special interest in investigating the symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment. The team is pioneering a new paradigm for design and invention by building fluid-driven display technologies that power novel experiences in the biodesign revolution — and creating the “Organic Primitives,” a library of bioplastics that change color, odor, and form in response to chemical stimuli.

Working at the intersection of materials, robotics, biotechnology, and chemistry, Viirj Kan develops interfaces that connect humans to a broad range of systems. She has innovated on a range of pioneering interfaces from wearable displays to IoT devices, smart tattoos, programmable foods, biointerfaces, and shape displays. Her publications in the field of Human-Computer Interaction have received a Best Paper Award at the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), a Golden Mouse Award at CHI, and honorable mentions at the International Symposium on Wearable Computers (ISWC) and Fast Company Innovation by Design.

Viirj holds a Master of Science from the MIT Media Lab. Prior to MIT, Viirj conducted human-robot interaction research at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her work has been featured by Popular Mechanics, TED, Vice, SXSW, Ars Electronica, Fast Company, CNN, Forbes, MIT News, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. A committed advocate of the DIY and open-source movements, she frequently engages in efforts to increase access to scientific and technological tools for underrepresented social groups.