UV Sense is the world's first, and smallest, battery-free UV wearable. Adhering directly on the user's thumbnail, UV Sense measures exposure to sun rays over a long period of time, providing up to six months of continuous use. The user simply has to wave their phone over the minute device in order to extract its information and pull it into the corresponding app, which will tell the user how much sun exposure they have had, and how to best protect themselves from overexposure. UV Sense helps us to live better, healthier lives, building routines for ourselves that put us in the sun just the right amount.

We developed a miniscule UV sensor – a domed based sensor mere millimeters in thickness. The components included a sensor, capacitor, and antenna contained in a drop-like dome. All components are held under this tiny shell. Our challenge was to define how this device would be incorporated on our bodies or peripheral accessories, in order to accurately portray how much time we are spending in the sun, without becoming intrusive or getting lost.

For the design of UV Sense, we wanted to celebrate its size and flexibility, balancing discretion with personal style. Subtle patterns laid directly over the outer shell create playful and iconic expressions similar to nail-art, with clear versions for those who prefer simplicity. A miniscule window in the shell allows for light to enter; data collected and stored is then transferred directly to the mobile app through an NFC chip. In addition to the nail, UV Sense can be adhered to just about anything with the help of peripheral accessories we have designed, from our sunglasses to hair pieces to pins.

UV Sense is meant to be entirely discreet, fitting seamlessly into our daily lives. Once the user adheres UV Sense on their nail, the user can almost forget about it; like a piece of nail art. However often the user feels to, they can simply wave their phone over the device to activate its NFC chip, which transfers the data to its corresponding app.