Safe Glow
Corner-mounted emergency light that facilitates visual awareness
and safety for hearing-impaired users.
Brief: Design an innovative luminaire that creates or uses light for a specific purpose.
Duration: 5 weeks (Sept-Oct 2025)
Tools: Fusion 360, KeyShot, Adobe Illustrator, User & Market Research, Product Design
Role: Designer (Sole)
Who: Hearing-impaired individuals who live independently in suburban areas
The Problem: During natural disaster emergencies, hearing-impaired people living alone often miss sound-based alerts. At home, lowered attention to phones (a common alert system) increases vulnerability, while existing safety devices often lack aesthetic elements, discouraging their integration into home life.
Persona: An independent adult with hearing impairment who values self-sufficiency, safety, and a sense of calm within their home environment. They seek products that blend functionality with design; avoiding medical or institutional appearances.
Design Criteria
- Clear Visual Alerts: Use simple, intuitive color and graphic cues to differentiate between various natural disaster emergencies.
- Aesthetic Integration: Blend seamlessly into home environments, fostering comfort, confidence, and a sense of security rather than fear.
- Spatial Versatility: Maximize light diffusion by utilizing corner placement and material use, with an adjustable hinge system adaptable for both inner and outer corners.
- Effortless Installation: Incorporate easy-to-use mounting brackets that ensure secure placement and independent installation by users.
