People interact with air everyday. The condition of air quality influences human wellbeing when they are not aware. The assignment is introduced by 2nd Skin House with an aim to arouse people’s awareness to the air quality. 

DESIGN BY MAKING

The whole project is consist of five iterations, from a rough idea to a final interactive prototype. The prototype is a tool to explore the context and the knowledge of the context is applied in making prototype.

The five iterations is introduced below.

FROM INVISIBLE TO VISIBLE

The first step of arousing the awareness of air quality is to transfer invisible air to a visible and tangible interaction. The metaphor 'windmill' transfers invisible wind to the rotation of blades. The first prototype is a Simon game that making windmill rotate by blowing. 

FROM INATTENTION TO MINDFULNESS

In the second phase, the interactive qualities is defined as fun and mindfulness. 

To explore the two qualities, the first prototype 'breathing globe' is developed . The light on the globe would follow people's moving hands. The globe was placed in a dark environment since people would fully focus on their body movement, including their breathing rhythm which bridges people and air. 

FROM CONCENTRATED TO IMMERSIVE

Instead of one light in the center of a large room, an immersive environment isdeveloped. People are surrounded by the interactive lights represents that people are always surrounded by the numerous particles of the air.  

The third prototype, a string of interactive lights, is produced to test this vision. 

FROM COMPLEX TO SIMPLE

In the forth phase, a user test is held to evaluate the the third prototype and layout of the light arrangement. The participants were required to think aloud while experiencing the prototype and the two layouts. Layout B is chosen in the end since it triggers a feeling of freshness. 

FINAL EXHIBITION