A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!...Air Purifier Users & Professional Interviews An air purifier is a device...

Air Purification System

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

460

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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.



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.



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.


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


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 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.



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


Target Area


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,


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


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.


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.



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?


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


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.”


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.


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%


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”


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



AURORA AIR PURIFIER


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




Top HousingPlastic mold injection

Fan Blade

Heat Diffuser

LED ICB

Filter Assembly

Light Lens


Cast aluminum

Vendor supplied



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


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.


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


A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!...Air Purifier Users & Professional Interviews An air purifier is a device...

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Transcript of A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!...Air Purifier Users & Professional Interviews An air purifier is a device...