SUSTAINABILITY AS A CHALLENGE
We started the design process by conducting an extensive research report based on Circular Fashion. We discovered that on average 9 million micro-plastics are released every 6kg laundry load. This pollutes water environments and aquatic life at an alarming rate, and sub-consequently also human health.
We identified our Design Challenge: "how might we reduce the use of traditional washing machines in order to release less micro plastics." This question guided the development of the product.
BRAND IDENTITY
Aeriform is a versatile product with a shape that can fit into any kind of environment. It is available in different colours and finishings in line with its brand identity. The color palette takes inspiration from the multiple shades of air and they are provided with both matte or shiny finishing.
Aeriform is a versatile product with a shape that can fit into any kind of environment. It is available in different colours and finishings in line with its brand identity. The color palette takes inspiration from the multiple shades of air and they are provided with both matte or shiny finishing.
OZONE AS A NATURAL RESOURCE
Aeriform’s technology is built upon the principle of being able to transform the breathable oxygen (O2) present in the ambient air and transform it into ozone gas (O3) which has hygienic properties. Thanks to a circular process, when the cycle ends, ozone will decay and become oxygen again. It not only benefits the environment and people by preserving the health of the biosphere and being a time-saving product, but it also benefits clothes. With the ozone being in the aeriform state, it is able to penetrate fabric fibers and not only attack bacteria and remove odours but also counteract soils, greases and certain types of biological stains. In this way, it is possible to clean clothes without damaging fabrics.
THE SERVICE
Aeriform’s service is subscription based. With an initial purchase of 60 euros the customer buys the product, by paying a monthly fee the user can lease the hardware with all the components that are needed to make Aeriform work. This kind of subscription model on the one hand ensures a continuous income for the start-up and on the other hand guarantees maintenance and support to the users during the whole product lifecycle. Additionally it also minimises electronic waste and ensures a circular lifecycle of the hardware. Refer to the project book to view the service blueprint, BMC, offering map, customer journey and system map.
Aeriform’s service is subscription based. With an initial purchase of 60 euros the customer buys the product, by paying a monthly fee the user can lease the hardware with all the components that are needed to make Aeriform work. This kind of subscription model on the one hand ensures a continuous income for the start-up and on the other hand guarantees maintenance and support to the users during the whole product lifecycle. Additionally it also minimises electronic waste and ensures a circular lifecycle of the hardware. Refer to the project book to view the service blueprint, BMC, offering map, customer journey and system map.
THE PACKAGING
Aeriform is delivered in a box designed to be useful during the installation phase. Inside the packaging the user will find the assembled product, the wall attachment bar and a small box containing the screws and fishers necessary to hang the product on the wall. On the inner side of the package the instructions to install Aeriform are printed. This allows to minimise paper waste and fully exploit the box. The packaging, once opened, guides the user to which height they accurately can install the product.
Aeriform is delivered in a box designed to be useful during the installation phase. Inside the packaging the user will find the assembled product, the wall attachment bar and a small box containing the screws and fishers necessary to hang the product on the wall. On the inner side of the package the instructions to install Aeriform are printed. This allows to minimise paper waste and fully exploit the box. The packaging, once opened, guides the user to which height they accurately can install the product.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Aeriform uses mny standard components but also many parts designed and produced ad hoc. The philosophy behind this product was to make Aeriform mostly monomateric; to ensure its' circularity, ease of disassembly and recyclability. The bigger components are designed to be produced by injection moulding using polypropylene (PP). Parts are designed to be easily extracted from their molds. The foldable shell is a particular type of polypropylene called XPP which has features such as gas resistance and compression rate. Ozone if inhaled can be dangerous for your health, the safety of the system is imperative. We opted for a smart and simple mechanism which is commonly used, a push-to-open locking system. Additionally the ozone sensor presents another layer of safety.
Aeriform uses mny standard components but also many parts designed and produced ad hoc. The philosophy behind this product was to make Aeriform mostly monomateric; to ensure its' circularity, ease of disassembly and recyclability. The bigger components are designed to be produced by injection moulding using polypropylene (PP). Parts are designed to be easily extracted from their molds. The foldable shell is a particular type of polypropylene called XPP which has features such as gas resistance and compression rate. Ozone if inhaled can be dangerous for your health, the safety of the system is imperative. We opted for a smart and simple mechanism which is commonly used, a push-to-open locking system. Additionally the ozone sensor presents another layer of safety.
THE APP
By scanning the QR printed on the packaging the user is redirected to the app where tutorials and tips to install the product can be easily found. When the installation phase is completed, the user can start setting up the Aeriform by following the instructions on the app. Through the app users are also able to see their environmental impact.
By scanning the QR printed on the packaging the user is redirected to the app where tutorials and tips to install the product can be easily found. When the installation phase is completed, the user can start setting up the Aeriform by following the instructions on the app. Through the app users are also able to see their environmental impact.
HOW TO USE
What are the steps that the user has to perform in order to sanitise clothes in the best way? The video storyboard visualises the prototype we made as well as the instagram filter we created to simulate the virtual trial.
What are the steps that the user has to perform in order to sanitise clothes in the best way? The video storyboard visualises the prototype we made as well as the instagram filter we created to simulate the virtual trial.
SIMULATIONS
We selected two simulations to show how two of the main features included in the system would work in real life. Tinkercad was used to code the simulations.
The ozone simulation shows how the safety sensor works together with the locking system: Aeriform can be opened only when the ozone sensor detects that no ozone is inside the shell anymore. This assures safety in the use of the product.
CONCLUSION
Aeriform has the power to make a difference. It not only benefits the environment, people by preserving the health of the biosphere, but it also prolongs the lifetime of your garments minimising overconsumption.
By: Kristina Fabrin Jakobsen, Serena Crotti, Michele Zanchi, Krattiika Gupta and Eva Monestier
