A face wrap containing a growable air filter. The filter is planted instead of thrown out and grows into an indian mustard plant that absorbs particulate matter in the soil.
Air pollution is a fatal environmental issue. And while the policy is the most effective method of reduction, millions die each year before these plans come into effect. Personal protective devices provide safe air to the population immediately, but the construction and waste generation of these synthetic fabric-based devices inherently produce further air pollution.
Pollulate not only protects an individual from unhealthy air when worn but further protects their surrounding environment from additional generation of air pollution. When the filter can no longer be used, its growable technology absorbs the pollutants collected.
Globally, unhealthy air quality is responsible for 4.2 million deaths annually. In areas of developing industry, economic activity, and population, civilians are exposed to alarming levels of pollutants. These residents are susceptible to catastrophic health effects. While the global issue of air pollution is most effectively controlled through communal action, policies limiting sources from producing pollutants require years to reach the effect of reducing health impacts for the population. Personal protective devices (PPE) are urgently needed to deliver healthy air to the population immediately.
The air quality index (AQI), organized by the world health organization, is a framework to quantify the level of unhealthy air in an environment. Ratings range from 0 to 500. An air quality rating above 100 is considered unsuitable for humans. 9 out of every 10 humans lives in air quality considered unsatisfactory.
To design and develop a solution providing acceptable air quality to civilians in urban settings. The design solution will achieve this by separating healthy air from pollutants or protecting exposure to harmful air. In addition, the design solution will provide a sustainable element to limit further production of air pollution.
Five concepts were created in the first pass toward a design solution. With each concept, a subsequent test or research point is included for the validity of the idea.
A survey was conducted to determine concept direction based on interest from a user group. After a brief introduction to each concept, a series of questions were asked to indicate the user’s preference for comfort, style, performance, etc.
Most individuals in my study have experience with some level of air pollution. This background data suggested a comfortable protective device assists in providing clean air when commuting to work is the most sought after.Other times individuals noted they wear protection from air pollution include when using harsh chemicals in the home or workplace such as cleaning solvents.Individuals also noted other concerns with existing personal protection include sanitation and waste generation.
The design solution is achieved by injecting seeds between the layers of filter fabric.
The impact of a growable air filter is immensely influenced by the wrap in which the filter is worn. A comfortable wearable is detrimental to its influence. A successful wearable desired by consumers will be the foundation for more growable filters to be used and purify polluted environments.
Results from the consumer validation survey indicated high interest in a pull-up wrap device. I began to integrate the growable filter into a face cover that could be worn around the neck when not in use. I followed a testing protocol to determine which of the concepts would be more desirable.
After determining a direction for growable filter integrated pull up wrap, I explored various face fit and attachment methods. I used the same testing protocol as the previous round of development to determine popularity amongst the second round of concepts.
The second round of development testing provided me with preferences towards two directions. I merged the two directions front fit and securing method to reach my final outcome. The final outcome is a single piece of fabric with sewn elements to create a nose and chin fit. The final outcome uses a paracord locking feature to ensure a secure fit around the top and bottom of the wrap.
Through testing, Pollulate remains comfortable among different face shapes and sizes while supporting the growable air filter.
Unhealthy air quality is an immense concern. Air pollution is a fatal environmental issue. And while policy is the most effective method of reduction, millions die each year before these plans come into effect. Personal protective devices provide safe air for the population immediately, but the construction and waste generation of these synthetic fabric-based devices inherently produces further air pollution. Pollulate not only protects an individual from unhealthy air when worn, but further protects their surrounding environment from additional generation of air pollution. When the filter can no longer be used, its growable technology absorbs of the pollutants collected.
Pollulate features chord locking construction to ensure comfort and a secure seal around any facial structure. The wrap nature of its design allows the device to be worn around the neck when not in use.
To limit the amount of components in the growable filter, all wearable elements are compiled in the wrap. The wrap is to be used permanently and the filter replaced.
When designing a protective wearable device, I learned to further refine my process. Initially starting with a direction for nose plugs, through quantifiable testing, I was able to rely on data to make my decisions and arrive at a more impactful direction to solve the problems of the adverse environment of focus. Through this testing driven process, my design solution was able to be developed on a deeper level. Moving forward I would like to further develop the systematical context of my design solution. I see the potential for Pollulate to be issued on a greater level and rather than purchased and planted by an individual consumer, there’s an opportunity for larger-scale collection and planting for further impact to irradicating pollution.