In&Out project - Qntrl
Course:
Product Design
Lecturer:
Cesar Arroyo
Students:
Christian Tiso
Brief
Analysis and development of a useful product to increase and safeguard the level of health and hygiene around us.
“IN&OUT Project” required the design of an object based on arduino kit with starting point the current pandemic situation generated by COVID-19. In addition, the object required: small size keeping the platform of a classic 3D printer as the printing limit, the use of Arduino components, simple and understandable interface elements, and technology and functionality. All of this by implementing an innovative and creative approach to concept generation both from the point of view of product use and visual communication of its functions.
Background
The question I used as a common thread for this project was, “Can I visually induce an action through the shape of the object?”
In this project, I therefore decided to explore the theme of form-related functionality applied to an everyday object.
The object I decided to redesign is a saturation meter, a product that has come back into widespread use because of Covid-19, as blood oxygen saturation is a very important factor in monitoring respiratory problems. The ‘finger-to-object approach was the core upon which the design of a new form for the saturation meter was based: by resting the finger on it, and no longer having to put it in a “clamp” like classic saturation meters, the object becomes much more practical and intuitive to use. Consequently, by giving a new identity to the saturation meter and completely changing the approach between the instrument and the user, this object becomes an item that we purposely decide to leave on top of the desk or table at home. The saturation meter thus becomes an accessory that we want to show off, that integrates into the environment with its own scenic presence, moving away from the medical sphere to become a tech accessory.
In the final concept, I wanted to define a low circular shape, where the ergonomic element is represented by the curvature of the upper closing shell, which creates an invitation
and at the same time a comfortable support for the user’s finger. I also decided to include 4 oxygen measurement sensors so that the instrument can be used regardless of its position relative to the user. On the contrary, if the instrument had only one sensor, it might be inconvenient to use.
Two light feedbacks will give the user different information: power on, measurement time, examination outcome. The outcome of the examination is given by the color emitted by some LEDs located at the top of the object, the part then the user interacts with. The color will be green if the blood oxygen value is within the safe range, red on the other hand if the detected value is below this range. The instrument’s power feedback is located at the bottom of the object, and emits only diffuse white light, so as not to be confused with the colors of the upper light feedback. To use it, the user simply needs to bring his or her finger close to one of the 4 holes in the upper body in order to be detected by the internal sensors, and these, in turn, will automatically turn on the saturation meter. Two graphics complete the product: the name, Qntrl, applied around the perimeter, and a hand icon to indicate that you should rest your finger, applied in the upper locking shell.
