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#NTUDEGREESHOW Spotlight: Will Walter

This week's Spotlight piece features BA (Hons) Product Design student Will Walter.

    Will Walter, Climati, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019
    Will Walter, Climati, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019

    In the run-up to the Art and Design Degree Show, we will be sharing a series of student projects from across the 26 participating courses through #NTUDEGREESHOW Spotlights.

    Climati

    Our world is changing. By 2050, dangerous heatwaves of 38.5 degrees, similar to the one we experienced in 2018, will become the new norm. For my major project, I wanted to gaze into the future and imagine what the world will be like in 2050.

    Considering the changes that will occur in lifestyle, society and the environment, I have designed wearable technology that can help people adapt to the new world.

    Will Walter, Climati, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019
    Will Walter, Climati, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019

    Climati is wearable technology that helps you acclimatise to warmer temperatures. The modular device, which can be worn in a variety of ways, tracks you and your environment, and activates cooling when you need it most. With Climati, the user can create their own microclimate, providing more comfort in a harsher world.

    The cooling system is powered by a Peltier module - triggered by high skin temperatures and emotional indicators such as sudden rises in heart rate. The device measures the environment, constantly monitoring both air pollution and temperature. The home hub also downloads data from Climati when you arrive home from work or a day out, and tailors the home environment to suit your needs.

    Will Walter, Climati Ideas, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019
    Will Walter, Climati Concept Design, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019

    Ultimately, Climati is a piece of political commentary on the world today. Our inaction in regard to climate change is detrimental, and the effects are becoming ever clearer. A hot climate in the UK is unthinkable, but in truth, it is the reality of our future. Climati is technology that could help people adapt to this future.

    This project has been a great opportunity to define my design process, focusing on creating a meaningful product experience with real social impacts through product and graphic design. Designers have a responsibility to make the world a better place, and this philosophy is what drives my design process.

    Will Walter

    Find out more about the BA (Hons) Product Design Degree Show here.

    Published on 21 May 2019
    • Subject area: Architecture and civil engineering
    • Category: Current students; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment