Four design students from the Queensland College of Arthave created a device topromotebetter hygiene practices in response totheCOVIDpandemic.
Georgia Dooley, Shaun Lister, Melanie Watson and Jamie Parker teamed up for the QCA Wearable Technology course where they conceptualised and fabricated a prototype of the Biolight, a product that shines UV light onto the wearers’ hands, or an object, showing bacteria and germs.
“In imagining a future where pandemics persist and worsen, we wondered how wearable technologies could help make this world more liveable,” Georgia said.
Shaun, who worked in a technical capacity on the project,said the group was inspiredtodesign something that could solve newproblemsrelated to theglobal pandemic.
“Our idea was to make a UV bracelet so that people could detect how clean their hands are. The design intent was to improve self-hygiene while incorporating self-expression,” he said.
The students see wide-reaching future applications for the product, in everyday life and healthcare settings.
“I can see the concept being developed in the real world, possibly to aid the health sector, or even commercially, to help keep people’s hands clean during a global pandemic,” Shaun said.
Georgia said the group was fortunate to receive help from QCA lecturer David Harris and course convenor Daniel Della-Bosca.
“Both were great at guiding the project and encouraging our potential,” she said.
Melanie, who documented the project,describes the tutors at QCA as “extremely dedicated and involved.”
“Theyreallycare about our continued development ascreativepractitioners,”she said.
“The best thing about studying at QCA has been meeting like-minded people and establishing connections with creatives that have a broad range of skills.”
Jamie, who led the project research, credits the hands-on experience gained in classes as a key element of the project’s success.
“Studying at QCA, I’ve found the constant practical based learning really enforces practices of industry-based work,” he said.
Shaun said his studies at the QCA had given him the freedom to explore new ideas.
“I’ve had many opportunities to challenge my creative thinking and build on skills with great support from my lecturers,” he said.
“I’d encourage all students to take advantage of the excellent experience that QCA courses provide and don’t be afraid to go above and beyond with your ideas.”
All four of these talented students plan to continue studying or working in the creative industries.
“Studying at QCA has helped inspire me and show me what could be possible in the future,” Georgia said.
Find out more aboutdesign at the Queensland College of Art.