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self-monitoring urban beehive
Mella is a new take on traditional beekeeping practice. Combining the use of technology and methods inspired by natural beehives, Mella turns traditional beekeeping on it’s head. Mella aims to create an improved environment for urban honeybee colonies, whilst putting less pressure on the keeper and giving them instant access to help and advice. The updated aesthetic aims to attract a younger crowd to take up the hobby, creating a renewed interest in British honey bees.
Sensors inside the central core monitor the temperature and humidity within the hive. A microphone records the ‘buzz’ of the colony and compares it to existing data on hive acoustics. This measures the health of the colony and other key factors in their development. Built in honey extraction makes for much quicker and simpler methods of harvesting. A clear shell allows the keeper to observe their colony without directly opening the hive.
The monitoring system sends data directly to the Mella app, allowing the user to check up on their colony whenever and wherever they are. Push notifications alert the keeper if the monitoring system detects a problem. The app gives the keeper advice on how to manage their hive, and provides them with instant access to FAQs, tutorials, and expert advisors. The community section links Mella users together, and creates a database of information on British honey bees.
injection moulding a promotional give-away
Stand design by Mitchell Leigh 2013
A group project to create a give-away plastic phone charging stand - designed in the style of Jaybird. The stand flat packs to save on packaging and transport, whilst also minimising its shelving footprint. Part of the project was to engineer and build the injection moulding block and inserts required to create the design. On completion of the mould block, a plastic moulding machine was used to create prototypes of the final design from LDPE.
A point of sale display was designed and built to house the prototypes. Considerations for mass manufacture are shown on the display board, demonstrating how a multi-shot mould tool could be designed to create large batches of the stands. Small boxes packaging the stands show how the actual products could be shipped and displayed. All elements of the project were designed to be in keeping with the Jaybird brand DNA.
gaming suite for ASD sufferers
A wristband designed to be worn throughout the day tracks biometric signals given off by the user. By tracking heart rate, sweat, blood pressure, skin conductivity, and temperature, the band can tell what emotional state the user is in. The band syncs with game data stored on the cloud to create a personalised chapter for the user to play through. A chapter system reduces the risk of a user becoming addicted and becomes part of a steady routine.
One chapter is created per day based on the user’s experiences, helping them to cope with their emotions in a controlled and safe environment. Using both grip and tilt sensors, the controllers have been designed to aid the user in training their motor functions. The band is worn throughout play and continues to monitor the user’s emotions; making slight adjustments to gameplay to ensure the most enjoyable and relaxing experience possible.
I’ve worked with world class design consultancies as both an intern and as a self-employed freelance designer. See my experience: 2015 - Seymourpowell 2015 - The Overworld 2015 - University College London 2014 - Tin Horse 2011 - Omlet 2011 - Bright White Ltd
Want to find out more? Get in touch:
elliemorag@gmail.com +44 (0) 7544 590701