Lighting documentary

I watched an interesting documentary BBC Design rules: Light. It talked about the importance of light in a room. How surface materials texture and colour interact and how that effects the room and peoples reaction to that room. It also shows how lighting needs to be specific ie something that works in the defuse light of London won't work in the harsh light of Brisbane. I can see that these will play an important part in the surface  finish of my design

Future Ideas

This project offers a range of options including changes to the primary unit and a range of accessories. 

Companion lamp shades

As is may be difficult to get the unit to fit all types of lampshades. there is an opportunity here to release our own compatible shades in different styles, colours and materials. These could be for both ceiling, bedside and standing lamps.

Range of colours

This would allow the sentinel to blend in more, or perhaps add an extra accent. Possibly matching a feature wall or the furniture.

Vertical orientation

Early on I toyed with a vertical orientation. there is no reason why this couldn't be explored further.

Expand connectivity
This would be a huge advantage for elderly and deaf people. It would allow the already built in Bluetooth to enable things like vibrating wristbands and pillows which would allow these people to feel the alarm.

About

My name is Ian Baumann and for that past 3 years I've been studying industrial design, Prior to that I spent 2 years doing graphic design. This blog covers my final year project on the redesign of the smoke alarm.

Design Brief

Smoke Alarm

The Situation

As you may or may not be aware, it is the law in NSW to have a working smoke alarm for each floor of your residence. Some residences will probably have more then one alarm. These alarms will usually be located in the living spaces, hallways and or bedrooms. Kitchens and rooms with fireplaces should be avoided as they often trigger false alarms with the maintaining of the fire or the burning of a dinner.

It is advisable to test fire alarms weekly, though I would imagine that this is not the norm. The NSW fire brigade also advises to change/check the battery to coincide with the changing of the clock for daylight savings. 

Regardless of the type of smoke alarm they all follow a two stage system. The first stage is the detection of smoke. This can be achieved through a variety of means. Once smoke has been detected the second stage consists of a warning. This is usually an alarm to alert the occupants to the presence of smoke and to take appropriate action ie extinguish the smoke and it's source, alert the fire brigade and/or evacuate following the evacuation plan.

The Problem

There are currently a number of problems and opportunities for improvement with the standard smoke alarm. Firstly they are prone to false alarms. This is not to say that the alarm isn't working properly, just that it is triggered by less then threatening things ie smoke caused by cooking, wood fires, dust etc
Other issues to consider are: What do people who are hard of hearing do? If an alarm goes off how long does it take for people to react? How long does it take before someone other then the residents react? Complacency due to false alarms? How do people react to fire alarms and with alarms in general, at supermarket checkouts people barely glance up, no one has a second thought about the blue lights from burglar alarms. Have they become more of an annoyance

Aesthetically there are some issues. They are usually quite prominent in the landscape of the ceiling. Sticking out abruptly utilitarian in appearance, with no subtly in form. Is this for reassurance or just neglectful?

There is an opportunity her regarding implementation of new technologies, a warning system, what if multiple devices could communicate to each other. Could they perform other functions too?

They should not just be confined to the standard home, but what about in caravans and motor homes.

What about usability? what about the deaf or hard of hearing. How do elderly or less able people test and maintain the device?

Is there an issue with placement? ie high ceilings (installation and maintenance)


The Objective

The objective is to undertake research into a holistic approach the way in which we interact with our living environment and what effect it has on the placement and needs of smoke detecting alarms. As well as the two key aspects of smoke alarms the detection of smoke and the warning occupants. This will then form the basis of a considered design solution. 

The Target Market

The primary user would be home owners, landlords and tenants  Putting the age at about 25+. though they should be able to be used by anyone over the age of 8. 
That being said the optimal target purchaser would be male 25-35 given that they would be the one most likely to purchase and install the device. Though this may be subject to change as research develops.

The Sentinel concept

 

Shows lit state. This flashes when transferring information or during an emergency it will be a solid red

 

Demonstrating the flow of smoke into the alarm

Examples of in context use

Sentinel branding

This is the logo I came up with for the fictitious company that hired Envoy. I wanted something that would represent the idea that they were always watching, less in a 1984 way but more like a watchman or guard. The image of the eye as a symbol is quite powerful and was the obvious choice. The flame insert serve multiple purposes first is indicates fire. the second it could be interpreted as the fire being reflected in the watchers eye as they see it. Third the narrow nature of the flame gives a somewhat animalistic and savage look making it look like a predator' eye. This helps to emphasis the keenness of it's gaze.

Mission Statement

Sentinel is a firm dedicated to being at the for font of protective
equipment. Our aim is to serve our clients, shareholders, and
colleagues, by providing products and services of the highest
quality So as to ensure the protection and welfare of the
community. To operate with honesty and integrity. To be...
“Ever Vigilant”

When developing the mission statement I wanted the company to be more akin to a service ie police or fire. They are in the business of helping and protecting people after all.

Features being addressed

Product features

Photoelectric
Used for smouldering fire
more environmentally
friendly then ionisation

Duel tone
520Hz hard of hearing
3000Hz conventional
Wireless communication
(Bluetooth Low Energy)
same draw a a single led
Between Alarms
Between devices
(Computers/mobiles)

Emergency lighting
visual cue
aids evacuation

Low battery maintenance
requires periodic
charging lights must be
left on for an hour a week

Stylish case
Form following function