Bernoulli project: The fusion between science and critical design.
A device to initiate discussions about second-hand smoke and social relations
Type
Academic work
Universidad Jorge Tadeo Loazano
Teamwork
2018
My role
As a product designer, I was involved in context research, user research in the work field, taxonomic device analysis, prototyping, conceptualizing, and designing.
Tools and skills
Surveys, research, workfield analysis, sketching, prototyping, material research and validation, 3D modeling, SolidWorks, 123D Maker, and clay modeling
Project Constraints
Some of the biggest constraints I faced as a designer on the project were related to time constraints when working with the students from Universidad de la Sabana, due to time and distance differences, as well as achieving a functional prototype, which required high technology standards and production techniques that we didn’t have at that time.
What about the EchoHaler and the Bernoulli project
Industrial design students and professors from Tadeo Lozano University, along with physiotherapy students from the Faculty of Medicine at Universidad de la Sabana, participated in an interdisciplinary initiative called ‘The Bernoulli Project.’ This activity aimed to merge design, science, and technology, with a focus on developing a device to address respiratory diseases, thereby contributing to Colombian public health.
The project included lab visits and both in-person and virtual sessions, fostering collaboration between students from different disciplines. The first edition of the ‘Bernoulli Project’ was successful in achieving its initial objectives, which helped prompt plans for a second edition, bringing the project closer to creating a functional prototype.
Problem statement
In Colombia, many university students socialize with friends who smoke, often unaware of the serious health risks associated with secondhand smoke—risks that can be even greater than those of direct smoking. This issue not only impacts individual health but also adds extra pressure on Colombia’s healthcare system, as respiratory problems from smoke exposure contribute to overcrowded emergency rooms and rising healthcare costs. As a result, the lack of awareness and understanding of the consequences of secondhand smoke is leading to both individual and collective repercussions for the country.
Goal statement
Our AirShield will provide users with an interactive and experiential approach to understand the consequences of secondhand smoke through a lab and diagnostic assessment of their lung health. Secondhand smoke can lead to health issues similar to those experienced by active smokers, such as COPD or even cancer. AirShield is ideal for awareness campaigns aimed at increasing consciousness about these risks.
What?
The experiential face mask kit educates users about the consequences of smoking or secondhand smoke through an interactive lab and diagnostic feature. The masks are designed to be easily and quickly adaptable for functions, including diagnosis and alerts, making them suitable for educational campaigns.
Where?
Universities in Bogotá
Who?
University students with an active social life
Who?
To address the widespread issues of low literacy, lack of accountability, and unawareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke—often influenced by the desire to fit in with a specific group or avoid rejection—