PANDEMIC PROJECTS
My Approach
In the wake of the Covid-19 global Pandemic, I have taken the initiative to design my projects around the issues it has caused and also for the life we may live from this day forward. The variety of projects below show ways in which we can acknowledge and strategise efficient systems rather than dwell on the current situation.
Birds Nest
The ‘Birds Nest’ is a humble design that has the potential to significantly help the sales of overseas flights when the borders begin to reopen. The barrier is designed to add comfort and security to one's travels without creating an intimidating experience. When the customer is booking their flights online they are offered the ‘Birds Nest’ bundle which they will receive when boarding the aircraft. In the nest bundle is a wireless speaker and a blanket. The speaker doubles as a headrest which can be adjusted on the panel to be the right height for every user. These two components are removable so that they can be cleaned between uses to ensure a high health quality standard. All of which are made or covered in Merino wool supplied sustainably sourced in New Zealand.
c-zero
Wearable technology
The elements of this design are compacted into the ring by using the smallest working technology available. Inside a ring is a transmitter, receiver, vibrator, Photoplethysmography sensor, Negative Temperature Coefficient sensor, arduino and a wireless battery. This may seem like a lot to fit into a ring, however this is a fraction of the components that are in the wearable devices that exist today. In the earring or pendant is a transmitter and receiver, the only required features needed to communicate with the ring wirelessly. When the transmitter, receiver in the ring and earring/pendant are in close proximity, the vibrator in the ring is activated until moved away. The Photoplethysmography sensor monitors heart rate by a light that senses the blood flow under the skin. Body temperature is monitored through a Negative Temperature Coefficient sensor by recognising a change in temperature. The Ardunio and transmitter wirelessly sends this information to the app.
This project is focused around the current Covid-19 pandemic and how we can prevent the spread of this virus and other viruses in the future. In doing so, I learnt that we transfer 80% of infections from the interaction of touching our faces with our hands. c-zero is a wearable device that will vibrate when your hand is nearing your face, reminding you not to. This ring also tracks your heart rate and body temperature by sending the information to an app. The app tracks this information and will inform you if it is out of the ordinary as this may be a sign of infection. The ring can be turned off via the app, however will remind you to wash your hands first.The design of the ring and accessories are of a beautiful aesthetic suitable for most users, yet unique in serving its purpose to prevent the interaction.
Awards:
My project, ‘Don’t burst my bubble’, tells the story of how our focus has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic began and how we have had to re-evaluate our careless and excessive use of materials in day to day life. This design shows innovation in a creative and unique way while putting emphasis on sustainability and current affairs. The pandemic has given us an opportunity that has never been seen before, an opportunity to reset and re-think, especially in design. It is necessary to recognise opportunities like this in order to design successfully for the future.
