A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!...Air Purifier Users & Professional Interviews An air purifier is a device...
Transcript of A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!...Air Purifier Users & Professional Interviews An air purifier is a device...
Air Purification System
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!What was the quality of you last breath?In an ever changing world, air quality is becoming one of the main concerns not only for outdoor spaces, but also indoor areas. Besides harmful micro-organisms and allergens like virus, bacteria, pollen, dust etc., bad odors like sweat,cigarette smoke etc. are also the reasons for reduced air quality and comfort in the environment.
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AIRBORNE ALLERGENThe Effects of Airborne AllergenAllergy is characterized by an overreaction of the human immune system to a forign protein substance “Allergen” that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one allergen. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system of the allergic person produces antibodies. Those antibodies then cause mast cells and basophils to release chemicals into the bloodstream to defend against the allergen “invader.” It’s the release of these chemicals that causes allergic reactions, affecting a person’s eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract as the body attempts to rid itself of the invading allergen.
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2x-10x
200% 160%
90%MORE POLLUTANTS INDOOR THAN
OUTDOOR
HIGHER ALLERGEN LEVELS IN SUPER INSULATED HOMES COMPARED WITH
ORDINARY HOMES
CHILDHOOD ASTHMA RATES HAVE INCREASE IN THE PAST 20 YEARS
PEOPLE SPEND A LARGE PORTION OF THEIR DAYS INDOORS
“6 OUT OF 10 HOMES ARE HAZARDOUS TO
OCCUPANTS’ HEALTH”
60 Million PeopleSUFFER FROM
Asthma and Allergies
-Underwriters Laboratory
44,000 4,700 1,200 9People suffer from respiratory attack
Emergency room visitsdue to respiratory issues
EVERY DAY IN AMERICA
1 OUT OF 4 PEOPLE SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES
Are hospitalized due to respiratory issues
People die from respiratory issues
* Information found in a study done by Underwriters Laboratories
MODERN DAY AMERICA...Average household allergenCommon allergens effect many of us, these can be pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings, medicines or other substances. An estimated 60 million Americans suffer from allergies. Worldwide there are hundreds of millions of allergy sufferers.
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Dust and dust mites live in human habitation, causing respiratory issue, which can also trigger asthmas attacks.
Trees and plant pollen are common allergens brought into the house via air, or by humans and animals.
DUST / MITES POLLENDust and dust mites live in human habitation, causing respiratory issue, which can also trigger asthmas attacks.
VIRUSESHousehold products emit harmful chemicals into the air that are severely harmful to the respiratory system
Particulate Size
VOC’SComposed of microscopic flecks of animal skin, animal dander is one of the most common allergens.
PET DANDERHiding in your wall and under carpet, breathing in mold spores can lead to a variety of symptoms from mild to deadly.
A bi-product of manufacturing or burning of tobacco, smoke can cause irritation to the lungs and sinuses.
MOLDSMOKE
THE AIR YOU BREATH...Common Airborne AllergenWe are exposed to various allergens throughout our daily lives. The range of particle sizes we encounter in our environment, measured in microns, vary widely.
.08 - 2 microns 5 - 75 microns .01 - 10 microns .005 - .02 microns .05 - 15 microns 10 - 100 microns 0.1 - 2 microns
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Emotional
Shortness of Breath
SleepQuality Headaches
& Nausea
RespiratoryIrritation
SkinIrritation
Sinus Congestion
Asthma Attacks
IncreasedAllergies
Eye / Nose Irritation
Memory Loss
Fatigue
Depression
Social Physical
Cultural
Cognition
HUMAN FACTORS
ALLERGEN AFFECTS...The Impact of AllergenIt is very important to address the potential causes of poor indoor air quality. If left untreated, air quality issues can have a detrimental impact on our health. Research is showing that people are now spending as much as 90% of their time indoors, and if the indoor air is polluted, this could pose a significant health risk. OBJECTS
ENVIRONMENT
Dirt
Curtains
Smoke
Lamps
Cieling Fan
Toilet
Counter-top
Windows
Trash
Storage
Maintenance
Location
Expense
Serviceability
Features
Personalized
Knowledge
Multi-functional
Usability
Unintuitive
Portability
Utility
Utility
Service
Size
Size
Health
Containment
Social Status
Relaxation
Presentation
Emotional
Physical
Mental
Personal Satisfaction
Health
Cultural Norms
Well-being
Food
PollenMask
Respirator
Purifier
Humidifier
Dehumidifier
Central-air
Duster
Vacuum
Dust Pan
Broom
Filter
ConcentratorViruses
Bed
Animals
Plants
Carpet
Furniture
Clothing
Dust
PROBLEMS
JUSTIFICATION
Air Purification System
AIR PURIFICATIONUser Experience & Market AnalysisAn air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air in a room. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating various allergen. The commercially graded air purifiers are manufactured as either small stand-alone units or larger units that can be affixed to an air handler unit found in the medical, industrial, and commercial industries. Air purifiers may also be used in industry to remove impurities such as CO2 from air before processing. There are a variety of technologies that focus on eliminating specific allergen.
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Air Purification System
ADDRESSING ALLERGENUser Actions I Behaviors
Air Purifiers
Humidifiers
Brooms / Vacuums
Neutralizers
Natural Measures
Reactive Proactive
To control their environment user take various measures, either proactive or reactive, to establish a comfortable living situation. The most effective way of containing allergen, and
establishing high quality indoor air levels is performed with the use of an air filtration system. Based on filtration technology the user can choose a system that will catering to the users needs.
Humidifiers are a great proactive measure is containing pollen, dust, and mites. Establishing a proper humidity levels aid in allowing us to have a healthy respiratory system
The use of conventional brooms and mop techniques are effective at removing large debris particles, thought they often contribute to spreading dust, pollen and mites around the house.
Using fragrance sprays, or fragrance releasing products such as candles or air fresheners are effective at neutralizing odors, though the can also contribute to high allergen level with the release of VOC’s.
Through various studies scientists have been able to monitor the air purification properties of specific plants that can help in reducing allergens in you home.
- Effe
ctiv
enes
s+
Effec
tiven
ess
HighlyEffective
Poor Efectiveness
Solution Categories
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Target Area
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Exhaust Port
Control Panel
Internal Filter
Intake Port
The majority of air purifiers on the market at floor based unit. Most of the system on the marktet utilize 2 or moer filter medums to improve enviornment filtration.
Most products on the market will only offer 2-3 different filter technologies, as compared to this process analysis that feature a majority of the technologies on the market.
BENCHMARK PRODUCTProduct Operation and Analysis
Polluted Air
Polluted Air
Pre-FilterMesh Filter
Medium FIlter Carbon Based Filter
Catalyst Filter
Brushless Motor
Fresh Air
Fresh Air
Purified,
Purified,
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ITS ALL IN THE TECHNOLOGYCurrent Air Filtration TechnologyThe primary feature of each product is based on the use of a specific of modern filtration systems. Each system is tailored to fulfill the consumer needs and wants.
Catalyst
Destroys any sized organic particulate.Works on viruses and VOC gases to pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. FDA approved Class II Medical certified.
Affective against dust mites, pollen spores, and bacteria when within specified size. Ineffective against gases and various viruses. Noisy system during operation.
uses negatively charged ions to charge dust, dander, and other matter. Ineffective against odors, gases, and biological agents. Silent operation.
Removes particles from the air using the force of an induced electrostatic charge. Moves a high volume of air. Mostly effective in trapping large particles.
Carbon medium is widely used to absorb odorous substances from gases. Traps other carbon-based impurities as well as chlorine. Not effective against large particles.
Dust Mites
Pollen
Mold
Bacteria
Viruses > .3 microns
Viruses < .4 microns
VOC’s
Odors
Smoke
TechnologyDescription
HEPA Ionic CarbonElectrostatic
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PURIFICATION PROBLEMSThe Downfall of Floor Mounted PurifiersThe technology of most filters are sufficient in purifying the air to the intended quality, though it is the fact that stand alone air purifiers face a multitude of variables that effect their efficiency.
OBSTRUCTIONS LOCATION
Bedroom
Bedroom
Kitchen Dining
Living Room
Bath
Floor mounted air purifiers are often restricted by objects within the house, reducing the efficiency of air circulation during purification.
Floor mounted purifier are often located in places where they are not able to work effectively.
Insights: Overcome the variables of in house obstructions and locational issues that stand alone air unit face.
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ALLERGY SUFFERERSAir Purifier Users & Professional InterviewsAn air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air in a room. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating various allergen. The commercially graded air purifiers are manufactured as either small stand-alone units or larger units that can be affixed to an air handler unit found in the medical, industrial, and commercial industries. Air purifiers may also be used in industry to remove impurities such as CO2 from air before processing. There are a variety of technologies that focus on eliminating specific allergen.
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Air Purification System
USER SURVEYCommon Airborne Allergies
Several times a year
I clean often
Rash / Hives
Animal Dander
Several times a month
Taking seasonal medication
Sneezing
Pollen
On a daily biases
I use an air purifier
Itchy / watery eyes
Mold
I do not have allergies
I just live with it
Other
Urban Enviornment
Once a year
I take daily medication
How often do you experience allergies?
What preventative measure do you take?
47%
47%
42%
42%
16%
16%
18%
18%
28%
28%
26%
26%
5%
5%
10%
10%
1%
1%
3%
3%
What are your common symptoms?
What is the cuase of your alergies?
Coughing
Dust
The average person suffers from allergies several times a month.
The average person suffers from sneezing
The average person takes some form of seasonal medication
The average person suffers from pollen allergies
A close second, people suffer from allergies on a dialy bases.
A close second, people suffer from itcy and watery eyes
A close second, people use an air purifier
A close second, people suffer pet dander and dust
Survey Take AwaysHow often do you experience allergies?
What are your common sypmtoms?
What preventative measure do you take?
What is the cause of your allergies?
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A WORD FROM THE USERS
DEBBIE MOORE
Insights Insights InsightsBehaviors Behaviors Behaviors
Needs Needs Needs
ALEX PERNELL FRANK MALYKIN
Ethnographic research of user lead to understanding the areas, and needs from the users.
User Observation I Interviews
Rural Environment Urban Environment Suburban EnvironmentReceptionist / Homeowner / Farmhouse Graphic Artist / Renter / Downtown Construction worker / Homeowner / Prefab house
- More integrated into my life- Easily serviceable- Multi-function and multi-seasonal
- More compact system, space is limited- Easily serviceable- Multi-functional and multi-seasonal
- Some kind of air quality report would be nice- More sleek design / his is obstructive- Multi-functional and multi-seasonal
- Cleans primary using a duster and broom / dust pan- Prefers having the windows open in her home- Uses a air humidifier as well to reduce dust
- Covers light panel to reduce light when sleeping- Adds natural fragrance to filter- Uses 2 compact unit in his apartment
- Moves his purifier around the house- Washes filter out in the sink - Uses a vacuum to remove dust from filter daily
Age: 62Location: Logansport, INFamily Size: 2 Adults / 2 Children / 3 Dogs / Ducks / ChickensAllergies: Minimal
Age: 37Location: Indianapolis, INFamily Size: 1 Adults / 1 Cat Allergies: Moderate
Age: 45Location: Ft Wayne, INFamily Size: 2 Adults Allergies: High seasonal allergies
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HIGH LEVEL SUMMARYUser Beliefs I Interactions I Behaviors
Healthy living is a motivation that prompts people to use an air filtration system.
People often wash or vacuum their filters for reuse. The fact that doing so reduces the filters effectiveness is often overlooked.
Users often find or create DIY workaround inorder to achieve optimal performance from their off shelf units.
+ Versiility+ Serviceability+ Circulation
- Noise- Smell- Location
Unique User Behaviors
Common I Current Product Characteristics
Washing the filtersVacuuming debris of filterDIY box fan filter combinationAdding essential oils to filter
User testimonial
“It’s difficult to tell the circulation abilities of my current system. I use fragrance oil on the filter to give me an indicator of the area the purifier work.”
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TARGET USERS
ALLERGY SUFFERER HEALTH ENTHUSIASTS PET LOVERS
Insight gained through research lead to the discover of the needs desires of the end user.
Understanding the End User
The NelsonsMark & Jane FullerAllison Sweeney Average American Family Lawyer I Newspaper Editor Professional mother
Needs: Filter out dustWants: Work throughout the houseWishes: Capture animal hair
Needs: Multi-functional systemWants: Quiet and effectiveWishes: Simple and modern design
Needs: Removes VOC’sWants: Has improved air circulationWishes: Changes the smell of the fresh air
Age: 9 - 42Location: Mobile, AB Family Size: 2 Adults / 2 Children / 1 Dog / 1 Cat
Age: 62-64Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Family Size: 2 Adults / 1 Cat
Age: 38Location: Scottsdale, AZ Family Size: 2 Adults / 3 Children
Allergen ExposureAllergen ExposureAllergen Exposure
BREATH WITH EASEAir Purification Concept DevelopmentAfter performing ethnographic research and gaining user insights, I began to focus on developing an air purification system that will address the issues at hand while meeting the needs, and desires of the end user.
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CONCEPT SURVEYAfter performing a brainstorm that focused on finding possible solutions to issues the users faced. I performed a user surrey of concept storyboards to gains insights of what the users found to be a viable solution.
User Survey of Preliminary Concepts
Integrated
42%
11%
13%
8%
26%
Serviceability
32%
12%
6%
22%
28%
Technology
35%
31%
9%
7%
18%
Circulation
52%
33%
5%
3%
7%
Uniqueness
28%
40%
11%
8%
13%
Air Purification System
Concepts
- Must have a visually light design- Make the blades or fan more sleek, or integrated- Controlled using an app- Built-in air quality monitor- Act as a ceiling fan, with integrated blades- Easy access filter
Take aways
User survey testimonials
“I afraid that this might become to cumbersome, though it is a very unique approach”“I’m surprised that I haven’t seen this before, I think it will work great” “I hate ceiling fans because of the blades, get rid of the fan blades or make them better looking”“It would be cool to control it from an app, otherwise a remote control” “I would like to have a built in air quality monitor as well, to see how well it is working”
“The filter replacement seems very appealing, as long as you don;t have to remove a cumbersome piece of plastic to access it”
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EVALUATING THE DIRECTION
Great location for interaction, though the size might be limiting to internal components.
Viable solution, thought it still could face the issues of poor circulation and obstruction.
Blends well with the environment and is easily approachable.
Ceiling Mounted Purifier Wall Mounted Purifier Counter-Top Purifier
The survey showed that the user were interested in a ceiling mounted system. The ensure that should be the intended direction I created a couple other concepts and tested them in the enviornment.
Configuration // Location Analysis
1/2 Scale Model I Aurora Ceiling Air Purifier
Pros // Cons Pros // Cons Pros // Cons+ Being integrated into the ceiling+ Improved air flow+ Easy to service
+ Blends into to environment well+ Ease of access to operate + Easy to service
+ Blends into to environment well+ Ease of access to operate + Easy to service
- Installation may be a challenge for most- Heights of filter for servicing- Requires secondary remote or control switch
- May be too heavy for wall mount- Power cable may cause challenge- Air circulation may still be poor
- May be too small to be effective- Power cable may cause challenge- Air circulation may still be poor
DESIGN DISCOVERYFinding a Functional and Appealing Design
Inspirational Products I Trends
Inspired by consumer insights and market trends, the initial concepts were refined to meet the needs, and desires of the user. The concepts were pushed throughout various design styles and configurations to achieve a holistic design that would
Organic teardrop profile
Concave intake vent
Centralized filter
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AURORA AIR PURIFIER
Air Purification System
PRODUCT ANALYSISProduct Manufacturing I ComponentsA majority of the Auroras components can be manufacture using plastice mold injection. A
Hanger Post
Hanger Mount
Chrome TrimMotor
Air Diffuser
Lower Housing
Air Intake
Rolled steel
Plastic mold injection
Plastic mold injectionVendor supplied
Plastic mold injection
Plastic mold injection
Plastic mold injection
Top HousingPlastic mold injection
Fan Blade
Heat Diffuser
LED ICB
Filter Assembly
Light Lens
Plastic mold injection
Cast aluminum
Vendor supplied
Plastic mold injection
Plastic mold injection
Mount CoverStamped steel
A
E
B
D
A
C
Internal Ribbing
Lip and Groove
Ultrasonic Fusion
Overmold
Mold Slide
The use of ribbing on plastic components increase its rigidity. Increasing it’s ability to hold up against deflection under load.
The use of a lip and groove is an essential manufacturing process in order to achieve proper component alignment. Improving overall fit and finish.
The chrome detail on the product is fused together with the top housing through ultrasonic plastic fusion
Also known as 2 shot molding. A thermoplastic polymer is molded on top of a plastic mold injected component.
The vents on the top housing will require a slide in the mold in order to achieve the proper design
A
B
C
D
E
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Allergen is pull up into the purifier through the center vents
Allergen Particulates
Fresh air is circulated out through the top vent
IMPROVED CIRCULATIONInternal Operation and ComponentsWith the use of an internal fan, the Aurora pulls contaminated air through the catalyst filter via the center vents. The purified air is then circulated out through the top vents and across the ceiling.
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FILTRATION TECHNOLOGYFilter Medium and Attributes
Primary Filter Attributes
HEPA Filter
Carbon Filter
Catalyst Filter
Pros // Cons
Pros // Cons
Pros // Cons
Filter Cartridge
Targeted Allergen
Targeted Allergen
Targeted Allergen
+ Removes dust, pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens+ Removes most bacteria+ Solid particles captured are not released into the air again
+ The most absorbent filter available+ Captures chemical fumes, gases, cigarette smoke, and odors+ Does not release contaminants back into the air
+ Very effective at removing organic allergen+ Low drag filter (more quiet operation)+ Longer service lift than carbon
- Does not remove chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, or odors- Not as effective in capturing the smallest viruses- Micro-organisms captured in filter can breed or reproduce
- Does not remove dust and other allergens- Does not remove micro-organisms
- Cannot clean yourself- Poor at trapping large dust particles- The filter acts as a blah blah blh
Using a 3 stage / multiple filtration medium maximizes the effectiveness of filtering out allergen.
1
1
2
2
3
3
Allergen is pull up into the purifier through the center
vents
Control Switch
Purified air is circulated around the room from the
ceiling downwards in a circular motion
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