The Mask Minder - Interactive Product Design (Spring 2021)

The Mask Minder is a proof of concept, functional prototype of a device utilizing lo-fi and DIY sensors to encourage mask use. When you open your door without taking the mask off the hook an alarm sounds, reminding you to put your mask on. A conductive strip on the mask ear-loop closes the circuit sensing the mask by making contact with two metal contacts on the hook. Similarly, a conductive pad on the door makes contact with metal contacts on the door frame, which closes the door detection circuit. LED lights indicate the state of each sensor in addition to the alarm, which is made from a piezo buzzer. If this device was further refined, there are two design changes that would make the device more effective and visually appealing. First, the conductive strip of foil on the mask could be replaced with a conductive ink, printed directly onto the fabric mask. This would provide a more reliable contact area and would be more comfortable for the user. Second, the door sensor could fit into a much more refined package which would could include the piezo buzzer and a dedicated PCB instead of the Arduino. Both sensor sets could communicate via Bluetooth in order to cut down on the cords as well. Because this project focused more on the sensor construction and application rather than the product appearance these options were not explored but could readily be implemented.