Carleton’s 44th Annual Industrial Design Grad Show showcases the final product designs of this year’s graduating class. The exhibition will highlight the application of design principles, student research, product iteration through design, and product design solutions for user problems.

The show runs from April 21 to April 24, 2022 and has opportunities for attendees to engage both virtually and in person. More details on the event are here: https://carleton.ca/id/grad-show-2022/.

Some of the projects featured this year include:

AER by Delayna Smith

Sleep Apnea affects over 100 million people worldwide, including Smith’s father. However, 50 per cent of prescribed patients stop CPAP treatment after the first month and even short breaks in using the treatment can result in serious health consequences. AER, pronounced Air, provides an innovative approach to CPAP treatment that enables patients to comfortably travel with their device, as it does not need to be plugged in for up to 48 hours and is 65 per cent smaller than a traditional CPAP machine. The device, which resembles an alarm clock, also addresses some of the stigma around the device as it blends in the bedroom environment.

Ember by Alex Whiteley

Ember is a modular system of interactive public installations designed to enhance community and social connections. The project seeks to strengthen what are often termed “weak ties” or the casual connections between neighbours and members of a community. The system enhances community spaces with dynamic lighting and playful interactions. Sensors within the bench like structures react to the proximity of those moving nearby, glowing brighter as they are approached. If an individual makes contact with them, they shimmer like a glowing ember.

Because the structures contain sensors, they can also gather useful autonomous data on when the park is being used. This may be helpful in making municipal decisions involving these public spaces.

Memorycache by Sash Mahara

This year’s graduate projects were asked to focus on creating social connectedness in the age of digital systems. After considering this theme in terms of the importance of storytelling during bereavement, Mahara came up with Memorycache, which goes beyond existing social networking apps and standard devices.

Memorycache is a collaborative digital memory box that stores memories and recreates them into a hologram. Users can store images and video in the box which can then be shared with other users who have a box. Users can then add their own images and add comments and stories.

The Memorycache helps users feel connected across long distances by allowing them to share their lives and cherished items with their loved ones. The device can also be passed down as an heirloom and used by generations to look back on their family history.

Mixed Reality Learning for Children with Autism by Martin Eisert

Eisert’s project is the result of his experiences working up North in the community of Kuujjuaq with an 11-year-old boy named Chris in 2020. Eisert observed that Chris was able to focus on and enjoy working on the computer and playing video games more easily than doing manual tasks.

In response to this experience, Eisert created a portable, mixed-reality learning device for children with autism. The device creates an engaging and dynamic learning experience and uses an ultra short throw projector to embed digital elements onto the physical world. The users interact with the device by using their voice and gestures to complete games and activities that enhance communication skills.

If you are interested in attending the Grad Show or speaking to some of the students behind these wonderful projects, I am happy to help arrange interviews. More images are available for each project.

Media Contact
Steven Reid (he/him)
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-265-6613
Steven.Reid3@carleton.ca

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022 in
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