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Updates on Design Study 5

Okay, so after consulting with Miss Mervy (my prof for this class) about my Chindogu project, she suggested something that will instantly upgrade my air-blowing face mask to the next level: AIR-BLOWERS INSIDE!

Often, when people wear masks, they are uncomfortable because the nose and mouth part of their face gets warm and moist from being covered for hours (Yes, I say “hours” because it literally takes hours to commute in the PH). So, she suggested that I put inner blowers as well to make it more comfortable for the commuter to wear. This will also ease their breathing as air is circulated within the mask.

Here is the final sketch/comprehensive drawing of the design for the air-blowing face mask:

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Initial Sketches for Design Study 5

The mask is definitely something unique and that will truly give the feel of Japanese Chindogu design.

First, the mask shell will be face-hugging in a sense that it will follow the shape of the contours on the face. Second, the filter itself will be filled with carbonated rice hull, a common agricultural by-product in the Philippines. Lastly, the air-blower that will blow away the air pollution when commuting will placed in front of the filter.

Here are some initial sketches of the air-blowing face mask:

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Air Blower Mechanism for Design Study 5

One of the unique features of the Air-Blowing Face Mask is the blower. There are also sorts of mini fans and blowers in the world and it is important that the most efficient yet compact fane is used for the mask. Here are some fan designs that I have found and are readily available for my prototype:

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Design Study 5: Final Idea

So, I thought making the multi-container coin purse was cool.

Well, I thought of something better, an AIR-BLOWING FACE MASK!

How does it work? In the Philippines, commuting is probably one of the worse things happening today. Not only are is there so many people wherever you commute (most especially LRTs and MRTs because our government is so slow at progress #noshade) but the air pollution that comes from it is also insane. Commuters are now at a greater risk of getting all sorts of diseases just because they are more exposed to the harmful air particles in the atmosphere.

This is why I thought of a device that could blow away the particles from the everyday Filipino commuter, a mask that they could wear everyday, anywhere, anytime.

One of the important things in an efficient commuting mask is its mask shell. Sometimes the reason why commuters are not protected from air pollution is because the shape of their mask is not fitting onto their face well. Some gaps are left leaving entryways for even the tiniest of air particles.

Here are some of the different mask shell shapes I have researched:

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10•26•18 | Inspiration for Initial Ideas on Useless Design

Final Project: Coin-sorter purse, coin bank, etc.

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Design Study 03: Pottery Class with Joey De Castro

Wabi-sabi Whaaaa?

For the past few weeks of our Asian Industrial Design History class, we’ve been talking about Japan’s art and design aesthetics, specifically wabi-sabi. In the culture of the Japanese, wabi-sabi is perceived as the beauty of imperfection, rusticity and chance. The Japanese appreciate the free-flowing energy and organic forms that nature possesses and they apply those kind of characteristics to their art.

The Master of Pot(tery)

Last October 5, 2018, our class had the opportunity to learn the art of pottery fromJoey De Castro, a Filipino potter who has been working with clay for a few years now. He is a graduate of the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde and ventured into pottery later on. That day, Mr. De Castro came to our class with kilos of clay that he mixed himself as well as some vessels that he, his wife and his student ad created in the past. He gave us an introduction of what pottery is, its processes, the different kinds of clay that it uses as well as an overview of how the potter industry is here in the Philippines.

Clay pots and jars have been a big part of the Philippines history. From our ancestors who used manunggul jars to bury themselves in to today’s modern Philippine pottery that are made with unique blends of clay and are formed into modern organic shapes. Pottery has been a great example of from and function both perfectly put into one form of art.

Mr. De Castro taught us a lot of techniques in pottery making and showed us that pottery can be done even without the potter’s wheel. He showed techniques like scoring, using slip as wells as pinching and patching. These techniques allowed to explore on the different forms that we could make and look into creating modern looking vessels that fit into the 21st century life today.

Clay, Clay and More Clay!

For our 3rd design study in our Asian Industrial Design class, we were tasked to create clay vessels and works of art with the techniques that Mr. De Castro taught us as well as the wabi-sabi Japanese design aesthetics. More than wabi-sabi being about rusticity and imperfection, it was also about mindful hospitality, that the art we create is something that would be helpful to the person who may be using it.

I decided to make 3 designs during the pottery class: a somewhat sort of organic gravy boat, a pizza-looking mini-box and a round vessel. The gravy boat was one of the first things I made and it inspired by the mindful hospitality aspect of the wabi-sabi. I molded the form to be such so that when the user holds the gravy boat, it would fit perfectly into their hand whilst pouring the gravy out. There is a dent for the thumb, index and middle fingers whilst the ring and pinky fingers are used as support at the bottom. For the second design, I focus more on the Mu aesthetics of Japanese wherein they appreciate the idea of returning to innocence with the Kawaii culture. So, the pizza box was a simple but cute design that gave the notion of plain and pure being beautiful to the eye. The last vessel was somewhat more traditional. It was a simple circular vessel which I added a few small petals on top to resemble a flower blooming in nature. Before that vessel was fired and glazed, it actually had petals on all dents. However, throughout the processes some of them fell out because I was not able to score and slip them well enough. Nonetheless, I took this as an opportunity to see the missing petals as part of the design and the “chance” concept that wabi-sabi offers.

At the end of the session, more than learning that pottery can be created even without the wheel, I learned that some of the most beautiful things in life are best appreciated when you don’t enforce perfection or a standard of beauty to them. Seeing beauty in the rawness, asymmetry and rusticity of art brings one’s understanding of art to a higher level because he or she is not blinded by the stereotypes and the status quo that society has set for artists and their art.

Source: 

Emocling, O. (April 10, 2018). Joey de Castro proves there is a future for Filipino pottery. Nolisoli. Retrieved on October 25, 2018 from http://nolisoli.ph/3143/joey-de-castro-filipino-pottery/.

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Design Study 02: Research Analysis

Design Study 2Aa: Redesigned Rubbish Bin for Proper Segregation

For most factories, they gather much physical and chemical wastes. Not to mention, the difficulty of transferring the garbage from place to another. This redesigned rubbish bin will solve the problem and make transferring garbage easier. How? Inside the bin, each compartment is formed in an s or z-shape so that once the compartment is full, the back part of the bin can just open up and the garbage bag would just fall out.

Also, this garbage bin is unlike the regular bins that are placed side by side. Instead it is stacked one on top of the other, so it would save much space. Lastly, it would also promote proper waste segregation. Some institutions don’t really give importance to waste segregation because it would mean buying a load of bins for different categories of trash. This rubbish bin is three rubbish bins in one! Plus, transferring the rubbish would be easier because the bins are stacked one on top of the other and you could just role it out.

When factories segregate, it would be easier for them to recycle hence leading to achieving Zero Waste Emissions from factories.

Design Study 2Ab: Redesigned Stoplight

In the Philippines, traffic is such a big problem that no one really has a probable solution to. And when it is traffic, drivers often have to depend on just one stoplight with three small circles at the center. At times, the 3 dots could be hard to differentiate in colour and would somehow merge together if you are really far away. That is why I decided to create a stoplight that only has the number and the colour is applied to it. By simplifying the stoplight and giving it just one focal point, drivers would easily spot the stoplight and its signal from miles away. The continuous moving of the numbers as they count down and also help in grabbing the drivers’ attention. On top of the stoplight is a solar panel that would serve as alternative energy to powering the stoplight.

But personally, as a driver who is vertically challenged, I sometimes have a hard time looking at what colour the stoplight is showing, most especially if I’m about 10-15 cars back and there is a gigantic truck in front of me. At times, even if the stoplight is place at the very top where it is almost aligned with the road lamps, it is difficult for all cars to see it because it is just one small circle at the center of everything. That is why I chose to create a second variation of the stoplight wherein it is one long rod extending outwards. By making the stoplight longer, there would be more view points of the stoplight for the driver and it would raise the chances of all drivers seeing the stoplight.

This idea was originally inspired by some stoplight inventions in Ukraine. In Ukraine, it is not just the stoplight that lights up, but also the entire long rod that holds on to it. Taking that idea of light with a longer width, I applied it to the second design.

What Impact Do These Products Have In Our Society?

Evidently, these products promote pro-active care for the environment. For the redesigned rubbish bin, it would promote easier waste disposal and proper waste segregation leading to Zero Waste Emission factories. This rubbish bin could even outsourced to places that need to take urgent waste segregation action like baranggays or places dense with informal settlers. For the stoplight, with proper execution and smarter programming, it could cut down on greenhouse gas emissions massively. I believe that is it through these small details in everyday object that would be improve the quality of life and save the environment.

Revised Design of Design Study 2

After a critique session with a class, some more research and careful thinking, I decided to stick to the stoplight idea and come up with this design. During the critique session, someone brought the situation of colorblind drivers having to depend on the position of the light rather than the colour. So, I added more plastic in between the light so that it would be more distinguishable to those kind of drivers. Another comment was, “What about people who have to turn left or right?”. Based on my research, since in the Philippines, we drive on the right side of the road, stoplights only use left signals whilst the normal light serves as the “right signal”. So, I only added a separation for the left signal. Lastly, I decided to take the solar-powered idea from the other stoplight design and incorporate it in this one so that the stoplight would be able to gather solar energy during day and use during the night or for the next day.

Sources:

Improper Waste Disposal has Dangerous Effects. (n.d.). Junk King. Retrieved on October 15, 2018 from https://www.junk-king.com/locations/marin/2017/08/09/improper-waste-disposal-has-dangerous-effects/.

Chandler, D. (March 31, 2015). Better traffic signals can cut greenhouse gas emissions. MIT News. Retrieved on October 15, 2018 from http://news.mit.edu/2015/smarter-stoplights-cut-greenhouse-gas-0331.

Chandler, D. (July 4, 2014). Traffic lights: There’s a better way. MIT News. Retrieved on October 15, 2018 from http://news.mit.edu/2014/traffic-lights-theres-a-better-way-0707.

Environment: Factory Waste Management – Zero Waste Emissions. (n.d.). Panasonic. Retrieved on October 15, 2018 from https://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/sustainability/eco/resource/zero.html.

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Design Study 01: Research Analysis

The times today are changing. The sea levels are rising and the natural disasters happening all over the world are getting worse. While we are sitting comfortably at home, there are people suffering from the evolving climate change and we will never know when it will one day hit us. It is time that people start preparing for these times. One way of doing this is by revolutionizing the apparel that people wear today. Shoes are no longer just for just keeping your feet clean. Jackets are no longer just for keeping you dry from the rain. Everyday items like these have great opportunity to become so much more than what they are. They are not just everyday wear, but they can evolve into multi-protective smart wear, transforming the apparel industry.

More than having advanced technologies and a moving towards an “ultra-age” country, Japan is also notorious for experiencing heavy rain and very strong typhoons and earthquakes throughout the year. According to Meteorological Agency of Japan, the country experiences an average of 26 typhoons yearly which occur in the autumn season, either September or later in th year. LiveScience mentions that about 1,500 earthquakes per year. The World Bank Group also conducted a study back in Japan in 2007 showing that some people still choose to live in areas of high risk of earthquake damage because the housing rents are lower. Thus, I decided to come up with a product or item of clothing that will not only serve its apparel purpose but will also become useful and protect the person wearing it from strong natural disasters: An upgraded raincoat that instantly inflates when needed. Why? In times of heavy rains and strong typhoons, inflating the raincoat could either serve as a makeshift roof or raft for when water starts rising. In times of earthquakes, inflating the raincoat could serve as protection from any falling debris.

Innovative materials are truly what will make this raincoat weatherproof. The design of the raincoat would consist of three layers: nylon (the outermost layer), a waterproof fabric, and a thermal fabric to insulate body heat. One item that would best be used as a reference for materials for inflation would be life vests. Most inflatable life vests make use of nylon material because its properties make it “inherently buoyant, inflatable and hybrid”. (Edmonds, n.d.). Using nylon in the outermost layer would make it easier for the raincoat to inflate instantly. The coat is also lined with neon nylon fabric so as to reflect light in the case of emergencies. Nylon is not the most waterproof material in the world; that is why a waterproof layer is needed under it. There are numerous waterproof fabrics available in the market, but the fabrics that can withstand from 5,000 to 20,000mm of water pressure basing it off of its static-column test are highly recommended for this coat. 2.5L garments protect the membrane with a partial protective spray or coating, thus using waterproof fabrics with 2.5L (2 and 1/2 layers) would make the coat lightweight, easy to pack and durable. (Back Country Outdoor Gear, n.d.) Lastly, because rain, typhoons and earthquakes bring in low temperatures and cold weather, the coat must be utilitarian in a way that it will retain the body heat of the person, making a heat-insulating fabric necessary in the coat. Again there are numerous thermal fabrics out there, but the fabrics from Siltex may be the best option for this coat. According to their website, “SILTEX® Silica Textiles consist of 96% amorphous silica fibers, making them excellent for use as high temperature insulation. These heat-resistant, insulating textiles also provide high strength and flexibility, enabling their use in a wide range of applications”.

The most unique feature of this raincoat would probably be the instant inflation pull tabs. This design was based off the life vests people would find on airplanes. Airplane life vests are Type V protective floatation devices. In these life vests, the inflation mechanism works in such a way that  “when activated, a CO2 cartridge is pierced, releasing gas to inflate the device. Water-activated models inflate automatically when submerged in water.” Manual units are activated by yanking a pull-tab. Blow-tubes are also provided as a back-up method of inflation. (Boat US Foundation, n.d.) They same mechanism will be applied to the rain coat.

The last feature of the raincoat is a waterproof zipper. The initial design of the coat was to use the zipper type that can be found in plastic envelopes. However, upon research, I discovered that there are waterproof zippers being sold in the market. An example of which are the waterproof zippers of YKK AquaGuard. The zippers are coated with polyurethane which increases water repellency. AquaGuard mentions that their zippers are “perfect for outdoor applications requiring moisture protection or an airtight seal”. The waterproof zipper feature will not only prevent water from entering the coat, but it will also allow for the coat to insulate more body heat.

The second design of the jacket has different properties but also serves the same purpose as the first: to protect the body in cases of natural disasters. A main feature of the second design include a waistband that can serve as fall protective equipment during earthquakes as connecting systems (lanyards and self-retracting devices) and anchorage devices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US has regulations, such as, those relating to confined space, lockout/tagout, and fall protection that may identify other types of safety-related equipment required. OSHA fall protection regulations for General Industry, for example, have a 4-foot threshold. Some form of fall protection is needed whenever a fall of 4 feet or more is possible from a walking/working surfaces. Upgrading an everyday jacket to have fall protective equipment features may put the person wearing it at an advantage during natural disasters.

In line with protection, the second jacket is designed to use protective fabrics that are waterproof and shockproof. More than unstable building structures, some main potential hazards during earthquakes include exposed electrical wiring, natural gas leaks, water system breaks, hazardous material, and more. (3M United States, 2017) Using protective fabrics will not only protect the person from falling debris, but will also prevent them from having bad encounters with electricity and other chemicals that may have been released during the time of the incident. TenCate is a company that supplies protective fabrics for all sorts of environments. Their fabrics may be used in the jacket.

The last feature of the second design is where advanced technology and programming come into play. The shoulders of the jacket will have pads with chips inside programmed to activate whenever it is triggered by falling debris or a confined space. When the chip is activated, it connects to a localized server that will be able to track the location of the person during the disaster. In the 2001 earthquake in El Salvador, the World Bank Group recorded that 1,100 people died under the rubble of 200,000 adobe buildings which were damaged or collapsed. This was because the rescue team was not able to locate them right away. By having a program that will easily locate a person in these times, countries will be able to lessen the number of deaths that occur during natural disasters.

In the 2 versions of jackets the wabi-sabi japanese aesthetic is viewed through its functional design as well as its appearance. Patricia Graham mentions in the book, “Japanese Design: Art, Aesthetics and Culture” that the wabi-sabi style is the “essence of Japanese beauty”. Imperfections are accepted and the natural properties of something are what make it beautiful. The designs are inspired by the wabi-sabi style because of the colours that will be used for it. In both jackets, warm or earth tones colours will make up majority of the cloth exposed. Sticking to earth tones bring forth the connection of nature (which is a natural beauty) and design made for man. The style is also seen in the designs for the designs are solely for the protective and preventive method. As much as possible, no ornamentation is required in the design so that the jacket would serve its function without compromising simple and minimalist form.

These features are some of the many possible opportunities for turning regular apparel into personal protective apparel. It is about time that industries incorporate the new technologies and techniques that have been discovered into their products. It would change the idea that people can not only be fashionable in their apparel but can also be ready for and protected from any natural disaster that may come their way at any time.

Revised Design of Design Study 1

After doing more research and careful thinking, I came up with this final design. I stuck with the brown tone because Japanese people have great respect for nature (hence, the wabi-sabi design aesthetic) and combined the features from both former designs so that the jacket would close to “weatherproof”. I added extra features like RFIDs, underlying paracords with attached whistles, and even a built in card tool kit so that the user would have the needed items for survival if ever they are to brave the storm.

Sources:

After the Earthquake: Personal Protective Equipment for Cleanup. (October 25, 2017). 3M United States. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://workersafety.3m.com/earthquake-personal-protective-equipment-cleanup/.

Different Types of Life Jackets. Boat U.S. Foundation. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/types/.

Edmonds, M. (n.d.). How Life Jackets Work. Howstuffworks. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/water-sports/life-jacket2.htm.

Kenny, C. (January, 2009). Why Do People Die in Earthquakes? (The Costs, Benefits and Institutions of Disaster Risk Reduction in Developing Countries), pp. 4 &12. Location: The World Bank Sustainable Development Network, Finance Economics & Urban Department. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/4042/WPS4823.pdf.

Life Vest. How Products Are Made. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Life-Vest.html.

Siltex Silica Textiles. Mid-Mountain Materials Incorporated. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from http://mid-mountain.com/siltex-silica-textiles/.

Stockton, N. (April 28, 2018). Earthquakes Don’t Kill People, Buildings Do. Wired. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://www.wired.com/2015/04/earthquakes-dont-kill-people-buildings/.

Typhoons in Japan. Fact and Details. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from http://factsanddetails.com/japan/cat26/sub160/item856.html.

What is Waterproof?. Backcountry. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://www.backcountry.com/sc/what-is-waterproof.

YKK® AquaGuard® Continuous Water Repellent Zippers. Sailrite. Retrieved on September 5, 2018 from https://www.sailrite.com/YKK-Aquaguard-Water-Repellent-Zipper-5-Continuous-Black.

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08•31•18 | Beginning design studies for products that could possible solve everyday problems in Japan.

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