- ‘All in One – Hygiene Station’ automates the entire multi-functionary process, making it contactless & enabling DIY method
- Can be installed at all private & public institutions such as hospitals, schools, offices, residential societies, industries, & restaurants
- The temperature reading data can be saved on a cloud-based android app for maintaining a data log for employees
India’s innovation ecosystem has come to a great display in recent months with COVID-specific innovations galore. From the basic mechanism sanitizer dispenser model to the advanced automated UV disinfection system, solutions have been aplenty. Raising India’s this innovative spirit, young entrepreneur Akash Joshi and his startup Vital Design has launched the unique device ‘All in One – Hygiene Station’, a one-stop solution multiple hygiene and safety measures.
Akash has designed and developed the multifunction Hygiene Station to help organizations create a safer environment in the new normal while spreading awareness about better hygiene and safety standards. The device is targeted, particularly, at the workforce in the essential industries. In Akash’s words, “this solution is aimed at safeguarding such warriors while they risk their safety to fulfill their commitment to essential services.”
Do It Yourself: Making a Difference
Most of the solutions available have been introduced with a short term approach and often involve a lot of close contact with especially the dispenser. Even the proximity with security personnel during temperature check could be very dangerous as it puts both the individuals at risk.
This is where ‘All in One – Hygiene Station’ comes with a difference as it automates the entire multi-functionary process, making it contactless and enabling the DIY method. The device includes a contactless sanitizer dispenser, contactless temperature reader. The additional features of face mask dispenser and hand gloves dispenser are key problem solver features. It also has safe storage space for the inventory of masks, gloves, and sanitizer.
The temperature reading data can be saved on a cloud-based android app for maintaining a data log for employees at offices and institutions especially. It is a plug-and-play device that can be moved and placed anywhere as per requirements especially at entrances.
COVID19: Inspiration Behind Innovation
After completion of his Master's degree in urban design from ETH Zurich Switzerland, Akash started working in the Netherlands. Before the lockdown started, he decided to return to India. Akash was greatly moved by the health workers and people in the essential industries and their dedication. At the same time was concerned about the vulnerability factor of these workers much his like his father who works in the pharma industry and had to continue working every day even during the lockdown period in a high-risk environment.
“They were my inspiration to come up with a holistic solution that reduces the risk that essential workers had to face,” he said adding “I felt the need to contribute and respond to the current problems, using my design skills while spreading awareness through his product about the necessary health protocols that people need to follow to stay safe.”
“I used the lockdown time to work round the clock to solve the development problems, rapidly prototype, and optimize the functionality. The supply chain issues and the unavailability of critical components were the biggest hurdles during the prototyping stage. This gave me no option but to manage the prototyping in the least amount of iterations and I had to do it very efficiently and effectively,” he says.
Eventually, Akash was able to do extensive testing and reach the accuracy and performance benchmarks that he had set for the product.
Make in India: From Concept to End Product
The All in One Hygiene Station raises the make in India quotient as it is a completely indigenous solution developed in-house right from concept design to final product. “This product is completely made in India. I did design and development and I have local manufacturing partners who support me in the production process,” he said adding that “the idea is to use the immense talent pool that we have available locally and boost the regional economy while serving the people nationally to solve their hygiene and safety-related problems.”
The product is an ideal solution for all private and public institutions such as hospitals, schools, offices, residential societies industries, and food establishments, etc. “This product tries to nip the problem in the bud by acting as a shield right at the entrances of such public places which is the primary point of contact used frequently,” he said.
Akash has received a great response from various government organizations of the central and state governments as well as premier private companies. The hotel industry, food industry, and also many food-related NGOs are also a place with an urgent need for this product to create a high safety environment. Anyone conscious about a high level of safety and hygiene can use this device at any location that they see fit for their premises. He intends to contribute to the post lockdown scenario by providing an added level of safety measure for all its users through necessary health protocols.
Human-Centric Design: Key to Innovation
Akash admits his main motivation behind this product as well as for his startup is problem-solving through human-centric design. “I try to keep the human experience at the center of everything. Form-follows-function has been one of the main guiding philosophies for me. The Indian ‘jugaad’ way of doing more with less is always a great motivator to increase efficiency with whatever resources one has at hand.”
“Currently I wish to be of service to as many people as possible in these difficult times by providing a safer work and living environment,” he says. “Even though the world is going through an unprecedented challenge, I am optimistic that we will collectively come out of this if we collectively try to follow the health and safety guidelines while supporting Indian small scale businesses, vendors, MSME’s and the workforce which will positively impact the national economy and prosperity.”
Vital Designs is a multi-disciplinary design solutions company founded by Akash Joshi which focuses on all human-centric design solutions of all scales for products, interior, architecture, and urban design.
For more details visit, http://www.vitaldesigns.in/
