Farizah Naeem
DIY Mobile Hygiene Station
As part of our second-year university project, our goal was to develop user-centred solutions for a pressing social issue in our community. Witnessing homelessness in our respective neighbourhoods, my team and I decided to create a DIY Mobile Hygiene Station.
Overview
The Mobile Hygiene Station project addresses homelessness-related challenges by providing 24/7 clean water access through a DIY mobile station. Overcoming technical hurdles, it promotes inclusivity, raises awareness of hygiene practices, and embodies socially responsible design. Inspired by a Makezine project, it champions independence and resourcefulness. Evolving through critical thinking and community engagement, the project received positive feedback, affirming its practicality and sustainability.
Roles and Responsibilities
Team Members:
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Eddie Bissell Simmons
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Farizah Naeem
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Minh-huy Tran
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Taha Syed
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Isabel Uribe-Perez
Separately,
-Isabel Uribe-Perez: Understanding phase, Next steps and Pitch
-Eddie Bissell Simmons: Addressing the social issue with our prototype
-Farizah Naeem: Ideation phase, Critical making process
-Min-Huy Tran: Inspiration phase
-Taha Syed: Making phase
Together,
-We as a team, sketched our ideas of what our hygiene station will look like
-Came together to combine our best features together
-Built the final prototype together using recycled and inexpensive materials
Scope and Constraints
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Limited to no budget
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No real User-Testing or Interviews conducted due to Time Constraints
Solution
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Used recycled/inexpensive materials to built the prototype
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Gathered our information through Internet/Remote Research
Accomplishments
What I accomplished through my involvement in this Maker Project is being able to make use of the limited time and resources available to come up with real solutions to problems that people face. Knowing that a lot can be done to change the world for the better even with a limited budget. I achieved team building skills, learned to compromise my time and skills for the betterment of the team.
The Working Process and Actions Taken
Inspiration
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Our group wanted to find a present issue in our community that we could potentially find a solution for
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We discussed our experiences seeing homeless encampments like Victoria Park in Kitchener
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We also found that the 6 nations of Grand River - which is located on the outskirts of Brantford is also currently struggling with access to clean water
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We all agreed that they were in need to easier access to basic hygiene services and so we were all inspired to create a mobile hygiene station to solve this issue
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We wanted to make a smaller version of this handwashing station that would be able to filter water from ponds, rain water or the grand river, and filter it to give access to clean water for hygiene purposes.
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We wanted to do more than just handwashing because hygiene is more than just washing your hands so with our product you are also able to wash your clothes and brush your teeth
Understanding
Design Problem
The design problem addressed in this project was the the issue of hygiene for communities in need, particularly for homeless individuals. Our aim and objective for this project would be to address the lack of access to clean water 24/7. Stigma and discrimination against self-care practices for homeless individuals. As well as awareness of hygienic locations and resources.
Design Process
We began by brainstorming ways to address social issues, considering options like a water purification system or expanding the DIY planter box. Ultimately, we chose to develop a DIY hygiene station. After individually sketching ideas, we collaborated to combine features into a low-fidelity design. We initially planned to use a cardboard box with aluminum lining for the sink body but switched to a plastic container for better water handling, using the cardboard-aluminum combo for the lid.
Ideation
Initial Sketches
Eddie
Min
Taha
Isabel
Farizah
Low-Fidelity Design
The Critical Making Process
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Problem Identification
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User-Centered Design
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Iterative Prototyping
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Critical Reflection
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Sustainability and Ethics
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Openness and Accessibility
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Community Engagement
Addressing the Social Issue
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Access to Hygiene Facilities
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Disease Prevention
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Community Engagement
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Education and Awareness
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Stigma Reduction
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Emergency Response
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Inclusivity and Accessibility
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Independence and Empowerment
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Environmental Impact
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Community Health and Well-Being
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Crisis Mitigation
Making
Materials Used
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Large Container and Sink structure
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Aluminum Foil
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Brita Filter
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Soap Dispenser/Tap
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Cardboard
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Aluminum Can (Vending Machine for Hygiene Products)
Constructing the Prototype
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Container Preparation: We made an opening in a smaller container, inserting the Brita filter at the bottom.
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Sink-Like Structure: Designed and constructed a smaller sink-like structure using lightweight yet sturdy materials.
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Integrate the Brita filter into the system, connecting it to the sink for water purification.
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Soap Dispenser Installation: Position and secure a soap dispenser near the sink area, designed to also function as a tap.
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Plumbing Connection: Set up plumbing to allow water flow between the sink, Brita filter, and soap dispenser, ensuring proper alignment and sealing.
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Component Securing: Secure all components inside the large container to prevent movement during transport.
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Testing: Fill the container with water, test the Brita filter, and check the soap dispenser for functionality.
Challenges in Constructing the Prototype
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Container Size-
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Challenge: Balancing portability with component accommodation.
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Solution: Careful space consideration and design adjustments.
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Plumbing Alignment-
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Challenge: Ensuring proper alignment for seamless water flow.
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Solution: Meticulous planning and adjustments for leak-free plumbing.
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Soap Dispenser Integration-
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Challenge: Seamless integration as a tap and overall compatibility.
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Solution: Design adjustments for convenience and functionality.
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Component Breakage-
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Challenge: Accidental breakage during construction.
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Solution: Cautionary measures and reinforcement to minimize breakage.
The Final Prototype
Concluding Evaluation
The final prototype features a large plastic container for water, a spray bottle with a soap pump, and a smaller container with a Brita filter as the sink. It includes a cardboard lid with aluminum lining to keep water clean and a soap dispenser along with a "vending machine" for Kleenex.
I learned that ideas often evolve significantly during the design process and that prototypes can continue to improve with additional resources and time.
Next Steps
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Life-size version of our design made with durable materials
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Pipe to external water source
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Toothpaste dispenser
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Different toiletries such as Kleenex, Toothbrushes, Floss
Pitching Our Idea to the Public
Engage with the community. Involving community members in the construction, and gathering feedback to refine the mobile hygiene station to better suit local needs. Our project may also involve collaboration between engineers, designers, public health experts, to ensure a well-rounded and effective solution.
Slide Deck