Goals
Create a product to help protect children from mosquitos without using harmful chemicals.
Utilize biomimicry in design in some fashion.
Team up with 3 other students from different schools (Business, Engineering and Graphic) to create a product from concept to marketing to manufacturing.
Develop idea in 1 year.
Skills + Tools
Ideation/Sketching development
3D Modeling
Model creation/Testing
Visual development
Illustrator
Photoshop
Solidworks
Keyshot
Role
Product designer on team with business major, engineer, and graphic designer.
Client
Johnson & Johnson
Ago protects children from mosquitos while sitting in strollers.
The Ago system includes a seat insert that attaches to a fan that can be magnetically attached to the stroller. The system pushes air out of tiny holes in the fabric of the seat to create a flow of air around the child to protect then from environmental aggressors with out the use of harmful chemicals. 100% natural protection.
How does Ago work?
Click below to learn about the capabilities of Ago.
How to use Ago
Fan Module
The fan attaches to side of the stroller using two magnetic straps. The top of the fan houses the fan's battery system. This can be removed and charged via USB cable.
The Seat
The Ago seat insert is comfortable and efficient. By mimicking the saguaro cactus ribs the seat is solid enough to support the weight of a child but malleable enough to fit snugly in any stroller. It's exterior perforated tube is covered in a stain resistant wool covering to protect and cool the child.
This fan is small, quiet and powerful.
It pushes a current at 1.2 mph strong enough to move aside on-coming mosquitos before they can land while keeping a low register to not disturb the child.
Magnetic Straps
The Ago system uses two magnetic straps to hold the fan in place on the side of the stroller. These flexible bands are durable and mold to any size stroller handle.
Ago’s features are inspired by nature
Elephants flap their ears to create an air current that protects them from bugs and heat.
Cactus ribs are flexible to soak up water while retaining rigidity to maintain protection
Conch shells have a complex spiral shape which makes the organism strong and light weight.
Process: sketching, models and research
Final Proposal Book
Developing a product in a trans-disciplinary team was an insane challenge with the best results. This studio challenged me to make compromises in designs and theory of how to develop a product. It is not always easy to admit your idea may not be the best but sometimes you have to realize you are not always an expert. It was fascinating to see how and engineer thought about and idea versus a business student. We all had different life experiences and stories that helped up make decision to develop Ago. That was my favorite part of collaboration.
Over a year I was able to focus on communication and laugh through the tough times. I can say confidently now that my communication and my confidence in developing a product from concept to production in a team setting have improved hugely. I hope I can bring these positive skills to a team in the future to develop the next best product out there.