The adage that necessity is the mother of invention holds true in the case of the AIR+ Smart Mask and the Micro Ventilators.

Over the past decade, the increase in incidences of airborne diseases and air pollution, particularly in Southeast Asia, has resulted in a proliferation of face-masks. These masks are often ill-fitting, impractical and poorly designed, especially when used by young children. Improper fit results in leakage of polluted air into the masks. Even if the masks fit, trapped exhalations raise internal temperatures, moisture and carbon dioxide levels. Wearers are often forced to abandon the masks which leads to further exposure to air pollutants.

The team at Innosparks (a subsidiary of ST Engineering) researched the breathing patterns of individuals and the airflow dynamics that occur within masks when they are worn. The engineers measured the face sizes of Asian adults and children aged seven years and older. The various shapes were modelled on computers and then run through mathematical simulations. Using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, the team designed prototypes in varying shapes and sizes that could fit a wider range of face profiles. Once the most feasible mask designs were achieved, actual fit tests were conducted on adults and children. The result was a truly differentiated product that offers mask sizes in small, medium and large sizes to fit typical Asian face profiles.

When paired with the Micro Ventilator (the AIR+), the AIR+ Smart Mask eliminates the unpleasant build-up of heat, moisture and carbon dioxide after prolonged use that has hitherto bedeviled conventional masks. In every sense, this is a world’s first, and to bring the prototype to market, Innosparks engaged STUCK on the industrial design front to bring this innovative concept to life.

For Donn Koh, the lead industrial designer at STUCK, this meant not only brainstorming with Innosparks’ technical team to find solutions to functional challenges such as airflow and heat dissipation, it also required the “simplification of the design to an optimum point where performance and functionality met and was hassle-free to use”.

The resulting ‘face-friendly’ shape and neutral look of the AIR+’s design minimises the social distance a mask creates. It also encourages the users’ willingness to protect themselves in polluted environments.

In keeping with STUCK’s creative philosophy, the user was always at the forefront throughout the design process. Donn says, “Good design occurs when there is no excess, but there is also no shortage. In this case, we were able to express our philosophy that technology and innovation should be logical, easy to understand and pleasurable to use. It should be designed for human beings. So, if the technology is not immediately obvious and the aesthetics appear subdued, that is precisely the point of the design approach of AIR+.”

Project lead Jerome Lee of Innosparks agrees, adding that “the AIR+ Smart Mask is innovation in action. We have arrived at an elegant solution to close the gap in today’s protective masks and make a difference in people’s lives.”