GILLAER | Modular Face Mask
"DESIGNING FOR A NEW NORMAL"
8 Weeks
Studio Project
Conceptual Development Project -
Project Brief
The year 2020 will be a period cemented in people's minds for a lifetime. The challenge we are currently facing with COVID-19 had left our routines profoundly disturbed in the way we engage with others and the world.
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This project explores how we can re-imagine the mask by utilizing the Double-Diamond design model. Gillaer proposes to design a self-protective mask that enables control over the degree of protection for the aftermath of the pandemic and future use.
Design Process
Mind Map
The first step of the project was mapping out the themes, topics, and questions associated with the current state of face masks used for COVID-19.
SWOT Analysis: Mask
The SWOT analysis was developed to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to wearing a mask for COVID-19.
Product Position Map
While analyzing the current market, the potential target area was to develop a high-self protection mask with a medium-cost range.
Primary Research
While analyzing the current market, the potential target area was to develop a high-self protection mask with a medium-cost range.
Word Cloud
Empathy Map
From the insights, an empathy map of the mask users in the ISU community. Which allowed me to question the way we currently do things. What if we used masks with breathing valves instead? We know the effectiveness of masks is lower based on the materiality and most participants use cloth masks which have a 50% effectiveness.
Furthermore, through my observations, I noticed that a vast majority of students do not wear the masks, or they take off the masks when walking in and out of campus. We have this notion that if we did this, it would continue to spread the virus since it's only protecting you, but not others. But not if we made it so everyone would wear a mask with breathing valves. Designing one makes it more breathable and would address the issues of why people are taking them off while always keeping you safe without the concern of others.
Target Market
How Might We...
"design a self-protective mask that can enable control in the degree of protection for the pandemic?"
Concept Ideation
Concept Category
Concept Development
The concept was inspired by the biomimicry of fish’s gills and how they work to create a self-protective air bubble that would increase breathability and facial expression. The face mask became a modular system that allows the user to have a face shield and ear protection attachments to allow more control over their level of protection.
Concept Components
Color Variation
Concept Development
The project continued forward with the ideation and prototyping, the final concept continued to evolve into what you will observe below. A mood board was created with the theme of the ocean and fishes and continue to ideate a color palette for this product.
Final Concept Selection
Storyboard
Physical Model
A physical model was developed using modeling clay and 3D printing, as it can be observed, to give physicality to the project.
Gallery
To conclude the project, a physical model alongside a poster was developed to showcase the process work of the project that was displayed in the gallery room in the College of Design at Iowa State University during the month of October 2020.
