In a triumph of science-meets-information-design, ICO Design created a biometric profile generator for the impressive new Wellome Foundation in London. Here Ben Tomlinson explains how ICO’s invention allows exhibition visitors to create a graphic visual of their identity and become part of a huge database of biometric information...

To create the formulas we first did a manual experiment which involved getting raw data for height, pulse, iris scan, age and fingerprint from everyone in the studio. We then took all this information and tried to transfer it into a graphic form. We tried a variety of formulas but found that they were either too complicated or didn’t generate enough variation. So originally it was a very low-tech solution but once we were happy with the results we then designed and programmed a piece of software to create it automatically.

The response has been fantastic and, though the gallery has only been open a short time, we’ve had thousands of submissions. We’ve also started seeing some people using them online for a representation of themselves, which is great.

We have been delighted to be involved with this exhibition. It has given us a unique opportunity to demonstrate how design and technology can capture the imagination and inspire those who engage with it. Every day new content is being generated, which is great because whenever you pop in tohave a look you don’t know what you’re going to see.

I think the most memorable thing was during the pitch. We manually created a bio-identity of everyone in our studio; we then made these into pin badges and wore them in the presentation. It’s funny but you could see a resemblance between each badge and the person wearing it.

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