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Breathe.io
Air Filtration Mask / Data Monitoring + Analytics / Revenue Generation Model
Context
Deliverables
Breathe.io was developed by a team comprising of MIT engineering and RISD Industrial Design students. The goal of the Product Design and Development studio was to answers a real-world problem which is commercially viable. The issue we tackled was of Air Pollution targetting the Asian Markets, specifically India and China.
Primary / Secondary Research
Product Development
Revenue Model
Business Sustainability
Outcome
Breathe.io is a smart, customizable, data-activated air filtration mask. It empowers users to protect themselves along with gathering pollution data. Active visualization and analytics of the data ensure the users are protected and informed, always.
Process Overview
The multidisciplinary team behind Breathe.io worked by keeping the User at the Core of our product development process keeping in mind the market and the sustainability of the venture as well. This lead us to divide work amongst three sub-groups, Core Engineerings, Product Design and Development and Business viability and sustainability.
My Role
I was a part of a sub-group comprising of two industrial designers tasked with working collecting user research, leading up to concept development and production of the Alpha prototype. My specific responsibilities included project management, conceptualization following onto CAD as well as prototyping. I also dabbled a little with the business model generation.
Process
Mind Mapping
Research Overview
The team collected data from talking to consumers and experts, using open-question surveys collecting Data from users in China and India both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Later stage surveys were also conducted with a focus on aftermarket segments of Air filtration masks and product concepts exploration.
Statistics + Key Findings
Opportunities
Air pollution is an imminent and current problem, people need a mask that not only provides them with clean air comfortably but also reinforces the fact that it works.
Concept
DevelopmenT
Keeping in mind the users, their needs and the overall aesthetic features of the mask, our goal was to design a lightweight, portable and ergonomic mask.
Anatomy of the Users
Understanding the users was the key behind the concept development but understanding their facial features was equally important to design for comfort and effectiveness.
Designing for effectiveness and comfort it was imperative that the mask fit each unique user perfectly. To define the specifications and form of the mask, we created universal facial anatomy based on 3D scanned faces of users from the target markets. A wide range of participants, representing the 95th percentile of the population.
Proof of Concept
The novel concept behind Breathe.io was Data capture, transmission and visualization through its inbuilt AQI sensors. Giving us a granular data from polluted particulate in the air and share it with the user and the larger ecosystem.
To showcase the functioning of the mask, we build a clear plastic chamber to simulate the polluted environment. We conducted the works like test by placing a Breathe.io mask on a 3D printed human head, inside the chamber. Data gathered proved that the air outside of the mask is shown to be 1114 for heavy pollution, and the air for the inside of the mask is 19 for good protection by the mask.
Companion App
Through user testing and feedback, ceratin features were added and removed to ensure smooth functioning and a more intuitive UI. To avoid being overwhelmed only essential information needed is displayed in a uniform colour scheme. Additional, more detailed information can be found on different pages if needed.
Mask Status Overview
Weather Overview
External Air Quality
Filtered Air Quality
Breathe.io Home Screen
Home Screen shows vital Information users of the Breathe.io mask need on the go.
Personal Mask Data
Device Health
My Mask Overview
Detailed overview of personal Device data and overall device status.
Location on Map
City Air Pollution Map
Air Quality Index
Pollution Map
Detailed Map of Cities pollution levels generated by amalgamating inputs from other Breathe.io masks in the area and other sensors.
Select your Network
Select your Network size and the information you need about your locality.
Personal Exposure
Personal Usage Hours
Personal Device Data
Track your personal usage of Breathe.io and the air you breathe.
Market Analysis
To generate a business model for Breathe.io it was essential to understand who are users are as well as the other products currently available to them in the same category.
China and India are among the largest, most polluted countries globally, negatively affecting population health and dominating the highest average PM 2.5 levels. The team chose the two regions to focus on due to reasons including commercial scalability, market size and access to first hand qualitative and quantitative customer research. China and India’s mask market is approximately 90 million and 46 million respectively and expected to grow in small increments over the next 5 years.
With Air pollution being a current, ever-growing problem the population does find the need to protect themselves. The mass Air pollution mask finds its self saturated with disposable and semi-disposable masks like the standard 3M PM2.5 mask as well as newer ones such as Cambridge and Aike. We wanted our product to sit in the mid-high price range by offering better quality, reusability and build. Breathe.io aims to differentiate itself by leveraging advanced emerging technology, superior fit and feel along with .
Final Thoughts
Breathe.io can change revolutionize the way users stay healthy by ensuring they breathe in the cleaner air and are well informed about their surroundings. Breathe.io ensures a vibrant ecosystem where Data drives interactions between different users all while answering a critical need. A new product category, Breathe.io will redefine Air purification and personal wellbeing, ensuring cleaner air for the user Always!
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