face ID compatible surgical masks look just like you and can unlock your devices

these N95 respiratory masks have been designed to work with facial recognition software and are custom-printed with your face. wearing a mask often makes it difficult for your phone to access your biometric data, so designer danielle baskin imagined the ‘face ID’ mask as an alternative. those interested in the ‘face ID’ mask need only to upload a photo of their face using a dedicated web app, and review a digital proof. after uploading your face, baskin’s service would use computational mapping to convert the person’s facial features into an image printed onto the surface of an N95 surgical mask without distortion.

baskin imagines the ‘face ID’ mask as an alternative to more advanced technologies currently under development — such as the chinese firm developing a form of facial recognition that can identify people under their masks. ‘face ID’ masks would be printed with inks made of natural dyes, would be non-toxic and wouldn’t affect breathability, meaning your mask can also be used for everyday life as a barrier against airborne particle droplets. ‘face ID’ masks have waitlist and no launch date, and — at the moment — baskin has no plans to produce these during the global mask shortage.

feedback on twitter has seen the suggestions of additional applications, which could extend from personal use, to hospital staff. hospital-patient interactions and patient wellbeing can significantly benefit from more personal, less sterile relationships, particularly for those in isolation. 

project info: 

designer: danielle baskin

web link: face ID masks