Making Peruvians Healthier by Making It Easier to Clean Hands

Q&A with Kimberly Chow, Designmatters at Art Center College of Design

In some parts of the world, public health dilemmas arise from the difficulties citizens have in finding ways to wash their hands. A project at the Art Center College of Design gave rise to one simple, elegant and potentially powerful solution for the clean hands problem, Balde a Balde. We talked with one of the student designers about the solution and how it came to be:

What was the initial inspiration for Balde a Balde?

Submitted by tadkins on December 9, 2012 - 9:43pm

High Audacity: An Opening Statement on Music, Mood and Experience

Q&A with Michael Kim, Art Center College of Design

Sometimes, a design comes along with the express purpose of disrupting everything you think you know regarding what is possible (and logical) about a particular experience. DIGIFI: Audionauts is such a design. We talked briefly with designer Michael Kim about his motives and his process:

This is an audacious piece of work. What inspired the project?

Submitted by tadkins on December 9, 2012 - 9:31pm

Design Futures Council Ranks Art Center No. 1 for Industrial Design

Art Center’s industrial design graduate and undergraduate programs have ranked No. 1 by the Design Futures Council in its DesignIntelligence survey of America’s best architecture and design schools.

Art Center’s undergraduate industrial design programs — which include product design, environmental design, transportation design and entertainment design — were praised for teaching students communication, computer applications and design.

Submitted by roxannh on November 27, 2012 - 2:59pm

GiraDora: Safe Agua - Washer and Spin Dryer

GiraDora, a human-powered washer and spin dryer, increases the efficiency and improves the experience of hand-washing clothes for people living without access to running water. The user sits on the drum-like appliance and pumps the pedal with the foot, which agitates, cleans, rinses and then spin dries clothes. Local assembly and an innovative business plan with three revenue streams for micro-entrepreneurs provide supplemental income. For under $40, GiraDora’s comfortable and ergonomic operation more than doubles productivity, increases health, instills dignity and affords opportunities to begin breaking the poverty cycle.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 1:28am

Balde a Balde: Safe Agua

Balde a Balde (Spanish for “Bucket to Bucket”) is a portable faucet that delivers water from any container. It makes the convenience and health benefits of running water available to the 46 percent of the global population living without it.

A universal clip attaches the Balde a Balde unit to any existing container. A squeeze of the siphon pump initiates a continuous flow of water. Tapping the spout instantly turns on and off the water, and twisting the valve regulates the volume of water. Balde a Balde maximizes the benefits of clean water to improve health, makes washing hands easy and accessible, and allows users to control exactly where and how much water is used. Most of all, it delivers the experience and dignity of using a tap.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 1:18am

Traverse Ski Patrol Rescue Toboggan

The Traverse Rescue Toboggan provides a modern security-oriented tool that meets patroller needs while enhancing the guest’s safety and rescue experience. A ski patroller’s job requires correctly assessing an injured guest’s condition; providing first aid to stabilize the guest’s condition; and moving the guest quickly, securely and as comfortably as possible to the resort’s emergency-aid center. The Traverse Ski Patrol Rescue Toboggan addresses these needs in detail.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 1:09am

ALLAYANT A shirt with built-in back support for paramedics

ALLAYANT is a paramedic uniform with a built-in adjustable artificial spine (spring) for back support. As the EMT bends over to lift, the back brace automatically adjusts, assisting the EMT in tightening the lower back muscles. With this built in back brace, EMTs can safely lift and transport patients and other heavy loads.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 12:52am

DIGIFI: Audionauts

The years between 1999 and 2008 saw a 25 percent decline in music sales and the beginning of the end of the traditional recording industry. Without official standards in recording quality and the equity of music nearing zero, how can the music industry innovate to become profitable again?

Most pirated files are low-quality MP3 files. While the inexperienced can’t tell the difference, for one who truly appreciates a particular song, the difference is unacceptable. Perhaps quality is the innovation the music industry needs in order to adapt. The Audionaut is the tool to draw popular attention to the cause. Reinvigorate interest in high-fidelity, foster newfound respect for an art form and innovate the music industry for the future—that is the purpose of the Audionaut.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 12:46am

Link Collapsible Recurve Archery Bow and Prosthetic

Link is a collapsible recurve bow designed for the Mathews brand of high-performance archery equipment. It bridges the gap between special-needs users and performance athletes. With the companion prosthesis, it enables amputees to participate in this sport and become a part of the community. The bow works for nondisabled athletes as well.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 12:36am

KPCC+ Development Strategy

KPCC+ is a systematic multipronged growth strategy for this public radio station intended to increase listenership and maintain a long-term competitive advantage. KPCC+ connects listeners both in person and over the air through five initiatives. One of the initiatives is Klik, a digital application that allows listeners to participate in real-time conversations with other listeners who share their interests.