The way we’re going about making circuits has been rapidly changing in the past few years, and it’s largely thanks to conductive inks. These ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight inks can be inserted into thin objects or even printed on paper, totally eliminating the need for bulky framework. Circuit Scribe started out as a Kickstarter project and is now available via retail outlets, and it’s spent the past couple of years proving just how awesome it is.

The concept behind Circuit Scribe is easy even for non-technical folks to understand. Instead of wires, soldering, and a lot of specialized knowledge, you can draw circuits on paper with the non-toxic, water-based ink. Circuit Scribe sells modules that you can snap onto your creations with magnets to make working lights, sound modules and even a small motor.

Although you can use it to make some pretty rad toys and gifts, the Circuit Scribe is important on an even larger scale. It’s among the first generation of similar products that allow anyone to make electronics without a whole lot of prior knowledge. The process of using Circuit Scribe to make things actually leads to the learning (rather than the learning leading to the making) which is a fun, engaging type of education.

As far as functionality goes, the Circuit Scribe system is far easier to use than some of its competitors which are bulkier and can take hours to dry. The Circuit Scribe pen lets you draw and then immediately use your drawing to make something fun. People who are interested in electronics and engineering careers will still need to learn traditional methods as well, but conductive ink gives you the kind of instant gratification that just makes you want to keep playing and learning.

The post Conductive Ink Pen Lets You Draw Custom Working Circuits first appeared on Gajitz.

We always wonder what happens to business cards after they’re distributed to countless new contacts at a trade show or other meet-up. The SwivelCard can actually help its original owner keep tabs on how it is being used, but it also boasts an impressive number of other abilities – like changing its content after being handed over to a new contact.

The SwivelCard is made entirely of paper and includes a USB stick – printed using a clever (and patented) method using metallic ink to create the metallic contact strips. Little perforations let you fold back part of the card so the USB contacts are exposed and ready to plug into your computer.

When you hand the SwivelCard to someone, you aren’t just sending your contact information out into the world. Each card links to a website you’ve chosen – typically it would be your business website or personal portfolio.

However, the SwivelCard also gives you the option to change the website associated with each individual card – even after you’ve handed the card to someone.

The SwivelCard also lets you track the usage of each card. The built-in analytics allow for real-time observation of how and when your info is being accessed. For people who are a little wary of sticking weird USB devices into their computers, the SwivelCard also comes with a QR code. A model enabled with NFC is also available.

For all of the high-tech charm that comes with the USB business card, it also includes traditional printed information on the surface. The SwivelCard’s Kickstarter campaign raised several times its funding goal, so maybe after the next trade show you attend you’ll walk away with a stack of dynamic USB business cards.

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