Carleton University Industrial Design Graduate Exhibit Showcases Innovative Technology Focused on Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges

44th anniversary of Carleton Industrial Design Graduate Fair features the final product designs for this year’s promotion. The exhibit will highlight the application of design principles, student research, product iteration through design, and product design solutions to user problems.

The show runs from April 21 to April 24, 2022 and offers attendees the opportunity to engage both virtually and in person. More details on the event here: https://carleton.ca/id/grad-show-2022/.

Among the projects presented this year are:

AER by Delayna Smith

Sleep apnea affects more than 100 million people worldwide, including Smith’s father. However, 50% of prescribed patients discontinue CPAP treatment after the first month and even short breaks in the use of the treatment can lead to serious health consequences. AER, pronounced Air, offers an innovative approach to CPAP therapy that allows patients to travel comfortably with their device, as it does not need to be plugged in for up to 48 hours and is 65% smaller than a CPAP device traditional. The device, which looks like an alarm clock, also addresses some of the stigma around the device as it blends into the bedroom environment.

Ember by Alex Whiteley

Ember is a modular system of interactive public facilities designed to enhance community and social connections. The project seeks to strengthen what are often referred to as “weak ties” or casual ties between neighbors and members of a community. The system enhances community spaces with dynamic lighting and playful interactions. Sensors inside the shoal, like structures, react to the proximity of those moving nearby, glowing brighter the closer they are approached. If an individual comes into contact with them, they flicker like a glowing ember.

Because the structures contain sensors, they can also collect useful autonomous data about when the park is in use. This can be useful for making municipal decisions regarding these public spaces.

Memorycache by Sash Mahara

This year’s graduate projects were asked to focus on building social connections in the age of digital systems. After examining this theme in terms of the importance of storytelling during grief, Mahara proposed Memory cachethat goes beyond existing standard social media apps and devices.

Memorycache is a collaborative digital memory box that stores memories and recreates them in a hologram. Users can store images and videos in the box which can then be shared with other users who have a box. Users can then add their own images and add comments and stories.

The Memorycache helps users feel connected over long distances by allowing them to share their lives and precious things with loved ones. The device can also be passed down as an heirloom and used by generations to look back on their family’s history.

Mixed Reality Learning for Children with Autism by Martin Eisert

Eisert’s project is the result of his experiences working up north in the community of Kuujjuaq with an 11-year-old boy named Chris in 2020. Eisert observed that Chris was able to focus and enjoy working on the computer and playing video games easier than doing manual tasks.

In response to this experience, Eisert created a wearable mixed-reality learning device for children with autism. The device creates an engaging and dynamic learning experience and uses an ultra-short-throw projector to integrate digital elements into the physical world. Users interact with the device using their voice and gestures to perform games and activities that improve communication skills.

If you’re interested in attending the Grad Show or talking to some of the students behind these wonderful projects, I’d be happy to help set up interviews. More images are available for each project.

Media Contact
Steven Reid (he/him)
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-265-6613
Steven.Reid3@carleton.ca

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022 in Media Advisory
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