Design Brief
The goal of this project was to identify a problem in the world today, research the problem and those affected by it, and create a prototype which helps solve it.
The solution had to include aspects of the four essential pillars for design excellence: enhancement of human lifestyle, human-interaction and user-centric design, ergonomics and human factors design, and sustainability and social responsibility.
Completed between September 2023 – April 2024.
The Problem
It is estimated that over 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year. With a lack of wealth and resources comes a lack of hygiene and personal care. Unhoused individuals, especially those not involved in shelter systems, often rely on public bathrooms to fulfill their basic sanitary needs which may not get cleaned often enough. Sanitation and personal hygiene are necessities for all. Lacking them is not only detrimental to one’s health, but may also affect their social interactions.
The Process
Based on a survey conducted, it was found that:
Most unhoused people rely on public bathrooms for access to hygiene and personal care facilities.
Grooming and self-care was never ranked as the least-important service.
People need a secure, judgement-free space where they can clean and take care of their hygiene.
Ergonomic studies were conducted to ensure the proposed solution could be used by the greatest number of users.
Mockups were created of key features, including the hairdressing station and showers as shown. These were used to improve usability of facilities based on measurements taken during the studies.
The Solution
The CAD model was scaled down and 3D printed. Custom decals were created and applied to the model’s exterior. The steps of the exterior stairs were made from styrene, and the base was made from MDF.
This project earned the top prize of the Design Excellence by Faculty Choice award in its class, as well as an honourable mention for the Innovation in Design award.
Roland Moeschter 