2008 winners

Joshua Wasserman 

Northumbria University, UK

Design: Auto-injector for infant anaphylaxis

Supervisor: Chris Connor

Award: The 1st Award

The aim of the project was to produce a product that is practical, efficient, reliable and attractive. Aims also included making the auto-injector smaller and easier to use compared with other competitors and suitable for use with babies and young children.

The Allerject uses a simple, clean interface with large arrows incorporated to guide the patient to the relevant areas of interaction. It is also immediately obvious to the user when the Allerject is ‘armed’ by seeing if the safety knob is twisted or not. A window is then used to ensure the patient knows that the Allerject has activated correctly. The level of human interaction needed before the Allerject can be activated has been kept to a minimum with a simple ‘twist-aim-fire’ technique. Being part of a range of auto-injectors, the Allerject also employs a colour range to differentiate between models. The individual colours were selected for their psychological associations with their corresponding age groups.

Size plays a major role in ensuring the product is actually carried at all times. This has been highlighted as a major weakness in the design of the EpiPen. The overall length of the Allerject is considerably less than the EpiPen, and only marginally wider. This has been enabled by an innovative spring mechanism which places the spring around the syringe, instead of behind it in a linear fashion. This mechanism is now patent pending. The Allerject, as well as being smaller, incorporates stylish design and soft touch silicon features, which may appeal to teenagers - underlined as a major problem area. The Allerject manages to strike the right balance of aesthetics with clean lines and a bright finish.  This should appeal to most users who want a product that can be taken out in public and keep a slight medical feel to make it conspicuous to someone who may be searching for it.

Ergonomics have also governed the design of the Allerject. The brief - to design an auto-injector for use with very young children - meant that the injector would not be used against oneself, but by another person, most likely a parent. The Allerject is held like a pen and gripped between the fingers, this allows the user to stretch outwards and deliver the dose, whereas the EpiPen uses a ‘stabbing’ motion, which may also cause sub-conscious distress to an already stressful scenario.

Product ‘life-cycle’ and sustainability are ‘hot’ topics in the design world today and the demand for this has reached further than the average eco-conscious consumer. In an effort to cater to this critical demand, the Allerject utilises a system where the expired or used device is returned via free-post to the manufacturer. Once the syringe is replaced, the unit is returned to the user, thus extending the life of the Allerject, and compensating for the costs of manufacturing a new device. The Allerject makes use of the flat base to include a marking system, proving a way to distinguish between owners and other relevant details such as expiry dates; particular allergies; contact details; and dates of birth.

Limitations with the design were kept to a minimum and although elements such as the power of the spring were compromised, this could be fixed with custom gauge wire or more exotic, harder materials being utilised. The safety system was also not deemed efficient enough, due to either the tolerance of the RP machine or the materials used, although it is expected if the Allerject was mass produced this issue would resolve.

Overall, the Allerject provides a market with an effective solution to a demand long over due.

Samuel Proud  

Northumbria University, UK

Design: Personal breast moulding kit

Supervisor: Haydn Jenkins

Award: The 2nd Award

When a mother is about to have a baby the pregnancy and welfare for the child becomes the most important thing in the world. Every mother wants to know that what they are doing for the infant is the best possible. A lot of this is based round the feeding of the baby and many doctors have researched the benefits of breast feeding for both the mother and the baby.

I have decided for my final year project to create a personal teat moulding kit for baby’s bottles. This moulding kit will either be sold to mothers - they can then mould their own individual nipple profile that can be fitted to the soother or bottle - or it will be sold to stores such as Mothercare and they would provide the service.

• This will help babies make the move from breast feeding to the bottle when the mother decides they are ready. I have found that around 27% of babies don’t take to the bottle because of the difference in texture, shape, feel and smell.
• I also believe this will help if mothers need a rest from breast feeding as the baby will not get too used to bottle feeding and then reject the breast.
• This will help if mothers suffer from infections or injuries related to breast feeding and require treatment and aren’t able to breast feed during the period.

Nuno Andre Gomes Bernardo 

Nottingham Trent University, UK

Design: Beacon - emergency lighting

Supervisor: Alan Crisp

Award: The 2nd Award

It is known that vehicles have a tendency to breakdown completely at random times. Most car accidents happen at night but there is far more to nighttime accidents than just poor visibility. Generally speaking, drivers are more tired; younger and less experienced; and are more likely to have been drinking. But darkness conspires with all these factors to increase the risk of misjudgment.

Even in broad daylight, consistently good driving is a demanding task, and the onset of darkness increases those demands - the familiar landmarks and features of the road change or disappear.

For all these reasons, in case of vehicle breakdown or accident it is imperative to efficiently alert other drivers circulating the same road so that they can be aware of danger ahead and proceed carefully.

‘Beacon - emergency lighting’ is a product designed to help drivers be noticed on the road in hours of distress.

Features: This product was designed for use in case of car breakdown or malfunction in order to signal other drivers of danger ahead.

• Four-legged design improves stability.
• Four light panels improve visibility.
• Angles formed in the orange covers ensure that light is spread in a 180 degrees angle.
• Auto-assemble by handle rotation.
• Flash rate of five flashes per second.
• Autonomy: five hours.
• Rechargeable battery.
• Car charger included.
• Compact design when closed to save space.

Assemble: Rotating the handle 30 degrees will make the product self-assemble. This movement will unlock the core mechanism lock and by consequence release the pressure of the gas spring located within making the structure self-assemble. Pressing the switch located near the handle will trigger the lights.

The core mechanism: The core mechanism is the heart of this project. It makes possible the automatic assemble of the product by rotation of the handle. When the handle is rotated the lock rotates as well freeing the slider that will accompany the gas spring expansion. This pressure will be applied to the product inner legs forcing them to expand assuming a quadrangular pyramid position.

Daniel So 

University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Design: Flipp table

Supervisor: Stefan Lie

Award: The 3rd Award

The Flipp Table has been derived from spatial issues which arise in confined apartments and housing. When closed, the table is designed to seat two; the aesthetics are developed to blend softly yet elegantly into its surroundings. However when the table is flipped opened to seat four, it reveals its inner beauty and transforms into a vibrant centre piece that can convert a dull living space into a vivacious environment.

Detailing and proportions were the key components in achieving the appropriate aesthetics. Incorporating a seamless visual form, the hinge detailing plays a critical role in delivering a product which was functional yet dimensionless.

The polypropylene live hinge has a prolonged life due to its innovative angular positioning of the hinging arms. The hinging arms are never allowed to bend beyond 90 degrees of each other, therefore opening and closing the table will never cause the polypropylene to develop a crease by folding upon itself - this ultimately derives a longer lifespan in the polypropylene live hinge as creasing this material is detrimental to the longevity of the hinge.

The Flipp Table is available in several colours and sizes, however custom colours or patterns can be applied to selected surfaces.

Victoria Larkworthy 

Northumbria University, UK

Design: ReptoPod - heated carrier for reptiles

Supervisor: Chris Connor

Award: The 3rd Award

As a reptile owner I am fully aware of the difficulties of transporting reptiles as they need to be provided with a constant heat source and a warm and cool area within any pet carrier, but there are currently no fully transportable heated pet carriers available on the pet care market. Reptiles are cold blooded and ectothermic, meaning that they do not metabolise food for warmth, but require access to an external heat source.

In the wild this would be from the sun, and in captivity, they can be warmed using a heat mat which is run from mains power. There are several products available which provide a heat source which can be run from a car battery via the cigarette lighter, but there are none which can be used on public transport or if the destination is within walking distance. Without access to adequate heat, reptiles become lethargic, their internal bodily processes shut down and within a matter of hours they can die.

Subsequently, having established that there was a demand for such a product by contacting other reptile and exotic pet owners, I used the Major Project as an opportunity to develop a product which was specifically catered to their needs.

The carrier is powered using an electronic cartridge which can be removed for cleaning, allowing the product to be fully submerged for cleaning. There are two cartridge options available: the NiMH battery powered cartridge runs for 4-5hours and the Li-Ion battery powered cartridge runs for 8hours+. Both the cartridges are fully rechargeable using either a mains or car adaptor, and the electronic circuitry is fused and thermostatically controlled for the safety of the user and the animal being transported. The reason for the two cartridge options is that the Li-Ion batteries are significantly more expensive. By offering the two cartridges, which are fully interchangeable, the user can cater their pet carrier to their specific needs.

The carrier would be made by injection moulding from HDPE, which would then be hot-welded to provide a seam which could be cleaned easily. This could be achieved at a unit cost which allowed the product with the NiMH battery pack to retail at around £80.

In addition to the heated cartridge the carrier also boasts several other features which were requested by the end consumer during the market research and consumer profiling stages of the project. The cartridge contains a secure storage drawer which could be used to carry veterinary documents or other paperwork for the animal being transported. There is a viewing port for the consumer to check on the animal during transportation, and this can be access by lifting the sliding panel on the front of the door. The carrier is designed to be as dark as possible inside but with plentiful ventilation to minimise the stress of travelling upon the animal. The door of the carrier opens downwards to allow a platform to place the animal onto when loading and unloading them from the carrier. There is a carry handle for short term carriage i.e. from a car into a building, and a shoulder strap for use on longer journeys – such as walking to the bus stop. The rear of the carrier is also moulded with a slight curve meaning that the carrier sits comfortably on the hip of the user.

During the product research it also became apparent that there was significant demand for a product such as this within the exotic pet market, and also for sick or elderly animals. It would be possible to develop this product further in a range of sizes and colours to increase the potential product market. This product is currently patent pending.

Adam Scott 

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK

Design: X Sting Wish - Commercial fire extinguisher design

Supervisor: Glynn Stockton

Award: Merit Award

In 2005 there were over 35,000 fires in the workplace. Nearly 500 of these lead to death and severe injury due to the DIRECT MISUSE OR INAPPROPRIATE USE of extinguishers, 200 incidents resulted from having no extinguisher at hand. This highlighted many problems such as failure rate of equipment and the quantity and variety of fires that make extinguisher choice difficult.

Research was split into three areas: user research, technology research and psychological research.

Thorough research and close collaboration with fire specialists, firemen and extinguisher manufacturers proved very helpful for objective and empirical evaluations of problems and limitations with current extinguishers and throughout the design process. This was then coupled with primary research to further support findings.

Brief analysis of the research:

• Gap In commercial market.
• Needs of user understood.
• Ergonomics and aesthetics very important aspects.
• Sustainable issues must be addressed.
• Materials and technology need updating.

The brief.

• Design a fire extinguisher product which will be light and ergonomic to use primarily for trained use.
• It must be instinctive and simple in its usage, especially in emergencies.
• It must meet the needs and fill a gap in the commercial market.
• It must have relevant and appropriate aesthetics that massively enhance the perceived performance.
• It must comply with relevant standards and agencies.

The design process consisted of wide range of sketching, followed and coupled with intense model making and user testing throughout. Ensuring the best possible ergonomics, aesthetics and functionality was implemented in the final design.

The final design was chosen through a range of testing and matrixes objectively by 3rd party experts as stated earlier.

The final design utilises physical performance enhancement in its technical improvements, ergonomics and functionality. For example it uses water mist technology which uses 10% of the water of a normal extinguisher. This means that it can hold less water (reducing weight) with increased effectiveness, for example the design has a maximum capacity of 2 litres, which is the equivalent to 20 litres in a normal extinguisher! The water mist also has other benefits such as the spray is nonconductive. This system has only been used by firemen to date - I have introduced it for the first time to the commercial market.

A duel trigger firing system has been implemented for user safety and better ergonomic activation. LEDs automatically light up when the duel trigger is activated: this is for use in power cuts and smoky situations.

Robert Sumner 

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK

Design: Hush - insulin patch

Supervisor: Glynn Stockton

Award: Merit Award

Hush is an insulin patch which uses a non evasive method to administer insulin to children. It gives the user more control over their insulin intake and also prevents needle phobia which takes some of the fear away from Diabetes.

There is an increase in young children being diagnosed with diabetes and the majority of the current insulin products on the market have not been designed with the child user group specifically in mind.

The aim of the product is to give young diabetics the ability to manage their own condition. From researching existing products and interviewing diabetics, an insulin device for children needs to be easy to use; appealing to children; ergonomic; and removes needle phobia.

By using a new technology to administer insulin through a patch instead of needles, the advantage over existing products is numerous, making it unique to the market.

Hush uses a process called Iontophoresis that uses a low electrical current, which when applied to the skin allows insulin to be passed through the skin. The low electrical current acts as a driving force to push the medication through the opened pigments without harming the child.

The product allows insulin to be given constantly throughout the day or given at specific time (e.g before meals) by using the control buttons. It also takes the fear out of diabetes and gives children the ability to self-medicate from an early age - this gives them the independence to manage their own condition. The Iontophoresis technology it uses removes the need for repeated injections and eliminates the needle phobia which young children have to endure, and the bruising and scarring that develops from injecting.

Hush has an interchangeable silicon cover that comes in a variety of colours and graphics to suit any user. This can be changed as the child gets older increasing the products lifetime.

Hush is designed with sustainability in mind - it can be disassembled and fully recycled. The patches that Hush uses are also safe to dispose of and reduce the amount of metals and plastics used for needles and insulin capsules.

Xavier Unwin 

Nottingham Trent University, UK

Design: Enlighten

Supervisor: James Dale

Award: Merit Award

Enlighten combines reading and lighting, functioning as both a light source and storage unit. The user can store his or her favourite books, while at the same time exhibiting them. Enlighten can be used as both a bedside light and desk lamp, its unique design considers the problem of ever decreasing living space and provides a solution that allows the user to keep their personal space neat and tidy. The combination of high quality materials and low voltage LEDs gives Enlighten a contemporary design suitable for any domestic environment. Enlighten has a strong and unique aesthetic, which was based upon user research, observations and feedback. Its unique shape and design allows the user to dictate how their books are stored and means they can adapt the product to their wants and needs.

The brief examined the concept of multi-functional furniture. The focus of the brief was to understand what users want from additional furniture and how they can use it to suit their changing lifestyles. The challenge of the brief was to develop a piece of flexible and versatile furniture that had an emphasis on reducing space whilst maximising functionality. The final design had to go beyond the concept of simply ‘more for less’, and observe how space is used as well as consider the users interaction and rituals to enhance an objects purpose.

Through user research a key observation was made that almost all participants stored books on their bedside table. It became apparent that this was because many users read before going to bed and keeping a book on the bedside table allowed for quick and easy access. However, the fact that many participants read more than one book at a time resulted in many users struggling to find space to store their books.

Observational studies therefore highlighted a key focus area for the project. Reading before going to bed is a common ritual for many people, the fact that books are often kept on the bedside table, which has limited space, presented the idea of designing a piece of multifunctional space saving furniture that could provide storage while performing another useful function, such as providing light. Therefore Enlighten considers the interaction between reading and light.

Careful consideration has gone into the choice materials and finishes - furniture trends were researched and consumer likes were constantly assessed. Enlighten is available in various finishes and colour variations, such as natural wood and coloured ABS.