aq
2023|24
Product Design BA
University of Edinburgh
Awards & Publications: John L Paterson
Service: UX Research | Electronic Design | Platform Design |
Workshop | CAD | PCB Manufacturing | Casting
aq is an elegant, compact wearable clip designed to raise air quality awareness worn stylishly with everyday clothing. It empowers informed decisions on commuting routes, ensuring every breath is clean.
The attachable light ring displays local air quality via a soft, pulsing glow mapped to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale. aq caters to everyone prioritizing health, from active commuters and athletes to those with respiratory sensitivities. Designed for life on the go, it attaches to your bag, wrist, belt, or jacket.
In 2024, 97% of Europeans live in 'unsafe' air zones
15% increase in ground-level ozone spikes during 2024’s record heat
£1.6 billion annual cost of air pollution to the NHS social care
Good
0 - 50
Moderate
51 - 100
Bad
101 - 200
Hazardous
201 >
01
working city commuters -
2.5 x times PM
02
cyclists & courier drivers -
60% higher exposure to PM particles
03
runners & athletes -
10x polluted air intake
04
individuals with sensitive respiratory health conditions - asthma
05
children & elderly - developing or sensitive cardiovascular systems
Ergonomics
Air Flow
Pristine
Calibrated
Ring Shaped
Unobtrusive
Flexible
CMF Prototyping
aq's CMF evolved through user-centered workshops into a minimalist, oval form that prioritizes clear communication and tactile comfort. The design features a white silicone gradient ring that uses pulsing light to signal air quality levels, paired with a dual-attachment system, a clip for clothes and a multi-use strap for bike frames, bags, and indoor use.
Batch
Production
aq was produced in a small-batch prototype using plant-based resin, featuring a clear top and a grey back to symbolically signal air pollution. For durability, the electronics are waterproofed with a silicone encasement, while the custom-cast silicone strap and a tapered clothing clip provide a secure fit across various materials and thicknesses.
Electronic
Prototyping
aq is coded using a combination of Java, C++, and Raspberry Pi, integrating two distinct data-fetching methods for electronic prototyping. First approach uses an on-board personal sensor to measure VOCs, large PM particles, and pressure every 2 seconds, while the second fetches local city station data every 10 minutes via API. Users preferred local sensor integration, valuing a more sophisticated, personalised device with data they could trust in real-time.
Clear Resin
Light Cover
Silicone Capsule
Light Ring
Light Ring
Airflow Grid
Air Quality
PCB
Micro Lipo
USB - C
Battery
Silicone Insulated
Back Casing
Hardware
Wearability
Platform UI
Product Ecosystem
Bosch Sensor Technology:
VOC | PM5 | CO2
Multiple-Attachment System: Clip | Strap | Indoor Monitor
Data Visualisation:
Bar | Graph | Mapped
Custom Packaging:
Device | Leaflet | USB-C | Strap
Pressure | Humidity Data
8-Hour Battery Life
Home Assistant Integration
Detailed Setup Guide
USB-C Rechargeable
45mm diameter
2 Second Accuracy
Material Circularity