My name is Austin. As a design student at Monash University, I always turn an inquisitive mind towards everything around me. Curiosity allows me to discover any problems present in a design and helps me learn new things, even after class has finished. That is the reason why I am passionate about design. In my perspective, a product with a good UX design is attractive because design is a process to satisfy the target user's needs. I found people have difficulties in storing their masks when they are not wearing them. Therefore, my design attempts to solve this issue and help users carry their masks more hygienically during their daily routine.
In Context
The Mask Capsule is a small container for holding masks. The volume of the capsule is like a pen. It allows users to keep it in their pockets or hang over collars. It aims at satisfying all the requirements for the user to keep their used mask properly. By pressing the button on the top of the device, sprays disinfectant to clean the used mask inside the capsule; this spray function can also be used to sterilize public surfaces. Removable bottom and top shells allow the user to clean the main body easily after use to keep our masks and the device itself sterile through repeated use.
Looking at the world
I walked down to the street, past restaurants and a park to see how people carry their masks in public areas, in order to investigate the issue of people carry masks. Normally they just use the rubber bands on the mask, in their hands or wrapped around their arm. However, when eating in a restaurant, people regularly put their mask on public surfaces. These edge cases in daily mask use undermine some of their capacity for protection. Particularly, the inner side of the mask being directly exposed to the external environment is dangerous. People may get infected by using dirty mask.
Concept Development
After doing the research and making the initial concepts, I started to focus on the basic mechanical components, aesthetics, forms, and features in order to make the product ready to manufacture.
Mask Capsule --- Brand identity
M-power - the idea of mask power is to highlights the importance of masks as a defense against the virus. As such, the design of the mask capsule allows for storage of used mask in hygienic condition. Moreover, the image of the riot shield naturally symbolizes protection - these two images in combination reinforce the notion of mask as defense and position M-power as a device for self-protection.
Video --- Living Safely With The Covid Virus
This video lays out the process for my project, starting with research into current COVID related trends - especially the use and disposal of masks. From there, I collected key insights to carry the design forwards, basing my design around empowering users to store their masks properly. Also included is a demonstration of assembly and maintenance of the product as well as the essence of the brand as expressed by the logo design.
Xiaocong (Austin) Ning, In Context
Xiaocong (Austin) Ning, Looking at the world
Xiaocong (Austin) Ning, Concept Development
Xiaocong (Austin) Ning, Mask Capsule --- Brand identity
Xiaocong (Austin) Ning, Video --- Living Safely With The Covid Virus
