As an Industrial designer, I strive to design objects for quality, longevity, and sustainability, that can be used, reused, and eventually repurposed. In my eyes, a design should be well thought out and robust enough to last a lifetime, in one form or another. I pride myself on my CAD, rendering, and model making skills in order to execute these design ideals.
THANE is a speculative contactless, portable food allergen detector aimed at alleviating stress and anxiety around food. THANE uses Molecularity Imprinted Polymer Sensors (MIPS) to detect food proteins in the air.
THANE
This is THANE, a contactless, portable device that detects food allergens to help users know for certain whether of not their food is safe for them to eat.
Food Allergies
Millions of Australians are affected by food allergies every year. Reactions can range from mild discomfort to full blown hospitalization. This can lead to massive amounts of stress and anxiety around food, making eating out or trying new food an ordeal and creating negative relationships with food.
User Testing
Because the technology for this project is still in development, my project focuses on the user experience. Pictured here are some of my low fidelity blue foam models being handled by some fellow classmates, to help me with the form and function of my design.
Slide
The sliding front of THANE hides multiple features. Not only does it contain a hidden screen, that activates when pushed up, but it also protects the test button and air intake at the back of the device when closed. This prevents accidental activation of THANE and keeps dirt out of the sensors.
Break
The MIP sensors in THANE are chemo-reactive, meaning they are used up from regular use and exposure to outside elements. As such, THANE needs a way to replace these sensors and protect them while in the device. The break in the middle of the device requires two fingers to unlock, preventing it accidentally opening. When closed, the sensors are kept airtight and light proof. Three sensor capsules can be used in THANE at once, meaning three different allergens can be detected at once, or three times the uses of one type of allergen.
Float
THANE is constructed of injection molded HIPS, for its strength and lightweight properties. With a gloss finish its easy to keep clean, and its unassuming form and hidden functions make it easy to use without drawing unwanted attention.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
