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Product Design

Mirthe Hofstede

Product Design

Final year project

A Navigation Aid For Visually Impaired Swimmers [Read more]

Optic

Currently, visually impaired swimmers use a tapper to know when to turn at the wall. This method is outdated and is subjected to human error which often causes injury. Visually impaired swimmers also cannot use the black line at the bottom of the pool as a guide to help them swim in a straight line. This again causes injury from brushing up against the sharp lane ropes. Optic hence consists of both a wearable and poolside device enabling visually impaired swimmers to navigate efficiently and safely in a pool environment.

Optic Wearable Device

Optics wearable device clips to the user's goggles and uses an ultrasonic distance sensor to detect when the swimmer is near the pool wall. The swimmer is given clear information of their proximity to the wall using bone conduction hearing technology. A silicone slope surrounds the main casing to minimize drag and create a secure seal between the wearable device and the user no matter the head shape of the user.

Optic Extended Pool Side Device

Optics poolside device uses infrared technology to keep the swimmer swimming straight and in the middle of the lane. If the swimmer breaks one of two infrared beams, the bone conduction headset will inform them to move either left or right according to their current position. The poolside device extends to position the infrared beams on both sides of the device 1.25 meters away from each other but collapses after use for easy storage.

Boxx Knuckle Wraps

In light of the global pandemic, participation in at-home recreational boxing has further increased. Boxx was created to provide users with a sleek alternative compared to traditional boxing bags to keep up with the rising demand. This at-home shadowboxing exercise unit mimics the feeling of punching a boxing bag on the user’s knuckles without the risk of injury. It does this through the latest haptic feedback technology.

Boxx Home

Boxx consists of both the wearable knuckle wraps and their respective storage unit entitled Boxx Home. Boxx home connects the knuckle wraps to the user's TV. Here, training schemes, as well as recommended technique improvements based on the movement the knuckle wraps make, will be displayed during the user's workout. After use, the knuckle wraps are placed back into Boxx home where they will charge wirelessly.

AeroPress Prototype In Motion

The brief set for this project was to create a fully automated coffee machine prototype using an AeroPress. The design created dispenses hot water and ground coffee into the AeroPress from above. From there the AeroPress housing rotates to have the filter that the coffee gets dispensed through pointing down.

AeroPress Prototype In Use

A linear actuator is used to press the AeroPress plunger down. This dispenses the coffee through the filter and into the user's mug below. The project outcome was a 3D printed, fully functional coffee machine prototype providing users with delicious hot coffee.

Problem Solving Through Ideation

I used sketching to quickly visualise and resolve any outstanding problems during the design development process. I am a hands-on worker so when applicable, I will make quick card models to better visualise the product.

Mirthe Hofstede

I am a highly motivated designer who aspires to create innovative solutions through a hands-on design approach.

I find designers daring. We take a problem, decide we want to find an innovative solution, and create a beautiful outcome. Designers are shaping the world without the majority of users even realising it as great design should just make sense. Throughout my work, I have welcomed every opportunity to learn. With each project, I strive to not only create a creative design solution but also enhance and broaden my skill set. It excites me that I am working towards being a part of this forward-thinking industry.

Final year project

A Navigation Aid For Visually Impaired Swimmers

Awards

'21 Diploma in Professional Studies

Work Experience

As part of my year in the industry, I had the opportunity to work at Makino Milling Machine Co. in Tokyo, Japan. Makino is an internationally acclaimed company within the machine tool industry which in 2019 introduced Makino Design. As the design was new within Makino, I was given a large amount of responsibility and opportunity to influence Makino Design’s new brand identity. Projects that I took part in included designing two new lines of machine tools, graphic design and interior office design. I welcomed every opportunity to learn which included communicating in the Japanese language by having Japanese lessons multiple times a week.