About
Speculative design for a dystopian future where humans have additional sensory perception to feel harmful air (2022)
Ideation
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Where to add the new sense?
To make the new artificial sense feel as real as possible, I decided to dock where inhaled and exhaled air flows directly past. At the nose and throat.
Prototyping & user test
Getting started
The design process for this project was very hands-on. It was hardly possible to really plan things because, on the one hand, the function of the vibrations could only be tested by trial and error. On the other hand, the physical product also had to be tested and adjusted directly on the skin, as my aspiration was to present a working concept. As a result it was necessary to build and test numerous low fidelity prototypes.
Vibration modes
Triple knock
Three successive, increasing vibrations. Similar to a knock.
Rise and fall
Linear rising and falling vibration.
Tickling punch
Constant vibration with high intensity, which increases jerkily towards the end.
Wavy tickling punch
Strong vibration with a kick at the end.
Strong tickling
Very strong, constant vibration.
Subtle tickling
Weak, constant vibration.
Big wave
Strong wave-like increasing vibration.
Small wave
Wave-like increasing vibration.
Particulate matter 10 - 15 µg/m³
When inhaling, the face mask uses "Subtle tickling" vibration mode and the neck loop contracts slightly and relaxes when exhaling.
Particulate matter 16 - 20 µg/m³
When inhaling, the face mask uses the "Wavy tickling punch" vibration mode and the neck loop contracts medium tight and relaxes when exhaling.
Particulate matter > 20 µg/m³
When inhaling, the face mask uses the "Big wave" vibration mode and the neck loop contracts very tight and relaxes when exhaling.
Design
How to visualize a superpower?
To emphasize that the new sense is a kind of superpower, the design of the mask is reminiscent of the classic silhouette of a superhero mask.
Styling choices
The theme of air was taken up by a bright color palette and transparent elements. The sensors and associated electronics were deliberately set in scene and not hidden. They are an integral part of the design.
