Initial thoughts about the design

In the 2nd semester of PDE3, we had launched SCOTSMAN project which dealing with the design opportunities we found on newspapers. SCOTSMAN phase 2 is a continuous project after the presentations of design opportunities, this is an individual project hence we need to choose a favourite topic or focus to develop a product that solve the problem. 

My focus point is passive smoking, because I think this is a serious problem that harm people whether you smoke or not. As a non-smoker, I personally have to stay with smokers sometimes while we are working together or chatting, however, this is obviously not an enjoyable time. The solution to it might be a product that detect smokes at certain level and send alarms to both smokers and non-smokers for noticing the environment they are staying in, and summarise the data in the device so the users can access it later and evaluate the situations - to stay away from the heavy smoke region (for non-smokers) or reduce smoking (for smokers). 

I have an overall idea about the form and function of this specific product, here is the summary:

• a wearable product 
• similar to jewellery
• small in size 
• smoke detecter and other sensors built in
• built in battery 
• long battery life
• sycn with phones or tablets

There are many existing wearable products in the market and they becoming even more popular since the developing of smart phones. Some good examples such as Nike Fuel Band, Jawbone UP, Misfit Shine, etc. The main functions of them are determine and track user's motions such as steps, sleep, and generate data to give a summary. This helps users keep exercise and set up a goal in order to achieve healthier life.

Similarly, detecting smoke level and alarm people can be a good function that integrated with the wearable device. And I think wearable device will be a trend of consumer electronics in this decade and possibly next decade.