2023 Award Winner!
A’shantee Spencer
Hi, my name is A’shantee, an emerging industrial designer who enjoys tackling complex design challenges and turning them into innovative creative solutions. Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for the fine arts and desired to produce meaningful work that can benefit others. I find it amazing that I’m able to pursue this passion on a deeper level through Industrial Design.
The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence
The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.
Enhancement of Human Lifestyle
The A.I.R. Suit is specifically designed for feasible use while refining the current personal protective equipment (PPE) for iron workers.
Through amplifying respiratory protection, increasing welding precision and eliminating the outsourcing of various welding protective wear; the A.I.R. Suit is a one-stop personal protective equipment (PPE) for all iron workers.
Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design
With the use of augmented reality, users are able to increase work productivity and precision when welding.
With the features of material analyzing, precision lock, air quality gauges and environment particle level assessments, users are able to obtain reassurance towards their respiratory health as well. With a touch of a button, users are able to feasibly access these features within the A.I.R. Helmet and Visor components.
Ergonomics & Human Factors Design
Since the iron working field can produce long hours of labour, the A.I.R. Suit aims to enhance the experience of comfort that users have with personal protective equipment (PPE) through its lightweight and durable design.
The suit provides adjustability to users with the 180ᐤ retractable augmented reality-auto darkening visor, compact powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) and memory form-fitting mask.
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
The A.I.R. Suit embodies sustainability through each aspect of its durable protective materials, such as; the flame-resistant (FR) cotton based fabric that is interwoven within the suit, mask and gloves.
This FR cotton based fabric is strengthened by synthetic heat-resistant leather and thread. Most notably, the A.I.R. Helmet and Visor frame is composed of polycarbonate plastics that protects users when welding from radiation or burns, while being highly sustainable.
A.I.R. Suit: Augmented Reality • Iron Worker • Respirator Suit
Project Summary
With the increasing demand for industrial infrastructure of skyscrapers, roadways, and bridges, there is emphasis on iron workers’ construction abilities. Ultimately, the development of these construction projects can prove to be difficult towards mitigating air pollutant exposure for iron workers on a sub-particle level, as exposure to inorganic gas, dust irritants, metal fumes, and woodworking particles act as silent impairments. Health and safety precautions of air purifying respirators are in place, yet some workers have a tendency to partially wear or opt-out of wearing respirators. This is attributed to the lack of ergonomic comfort towards respirators, poor interchangeability with other personal protective equipment (PPE), and also the requirement of various training and refitting. With consideration of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Respiratory Safety Guidelines the A.I.R. Suit provides a one-stop personal protective equipment (PPE) solution for iron workers. The A.I.R. Suit is designed for the mitigation of sub-particle respiratory hazards for iron workers, while maintaining a level of comfort, adaptability and durability for users.
Thesis Summary Motion Presentation
The A.I.R. Suit is a one-stop personal protective equipment (PPE) solution for iron workers, which is specifically designed for the mitigation of sub-particle respiratory hazards while maintaining a level of comfort, adaptability and durability for users.
Thesis Visual Presentation
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Thesis Development Process
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3D Design Development & Modeling
CAD Modeling Video
The CAD development of the A.I.R. Suit was made possible through the use of Solidworks 2023 and Gravity Sketch.
Physical Model Video
The physical model of the A.I.R. Suit shows the ergonomics and fabricated representation of the level of comfort, adaptability and durability for users.
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