Maintaining human connection while fighting airborne viruses
Developed for essential workers during the initial spread of COVID-19, this mask was designed to provide maximum safety with a full-face seal and UV-C virus neutralization, while also preserving full facial visibility to support non-verbal communication and human connection. The team at Meddux was brought on to bring this mask from an idea to a fully functional prototype in less than a year.
Process:
- Concept Generation
- Anthropometric Studies / User Research
- Rapid Prototyping
- User Studies
- Electromechanical Design
Creating a personable virus-killing mask
With an initial understanding of the virus killing technology and target user group of healthcare and essential workers, we worked with the team to gain alignment on the aesthetic direction of the mask and key requirements related to form and function.
We developed and tested multiple 3D printed prototypes with soft, flexible seals on diverse face sizes. Using facial measurements, simulated-use protocols, and participant interviews, we gathered feedback on sizing, seal geometry, and strap comfort, guiding improvements for the next iteration.
Simple yet safe
Key concerns were creating a simple and intuitive user interface for turning the mask on/off, confirming the sterilization technology was working, and inserting/replacing the filter.
Detailed development
The mask had to house all of the necessary electronics, batteries, and a filter, while maintaining a relatively streamlined form that is not cumbersome for prolonged, active wear. The placement of internal features had to lend itself to safe and intuitive user touchpoints, and parts and subassemblies needed to be designed with injection molding and simplified assembly in mind.
Successful proof of concept
Fully functional prototypes were created to test with users and to prove technical claims of full face sealing and killing incoming virus. The technology was proven successful in third party regulatory testing and the team was able to take the hi-fidelity prototypes and proven concept to gain additional funding to scale up and work toward manufacturing.
