biodeisgn sprint x google
In the 21st century, people are coming to realize that no product exists as an island. Each has an origin of how it came to be and a future where it is heading. Everything we create is part of a complicated ecosystem that binds our designed objects to the natural world.
What if devices decayed gracefully in the environment or acted like organisms that could be composted or heal when damaged? What if products were grown instead of manufactured or derived from waste material? Imagine a future without e-waste and its environmental impacts. This can include concepts around recycling technologies and processes, e-waste disposal, and other end-of-life solutions.
What if our devices were designed to be easily broken-down and repurposed in a circular ecosystem?
We qualified as semi-finalists in the sprint and presented to a panel of judges including the Biodesign Challenge team and Google Hardware team members.
learning by breaking
To better understand the electronics we were trying to change, we broke down a Google Pixel 3XL.
tech recyclers
Electronics aren't easy to dispose of, there are so many screws, parts, and adhesives. We went to a local recycler to see how it works on a larger scale.
bringing the google softness from outside, to inside
The Google Hardware Team did something unexpected when they introduced recycled PET fabrics to the outside of their products. We were inspired to bring those ideas to the internals of ours.
material science
Sugarcane processing produces a byproduct called bagasse. In our exploration of a method to secure the components of a phone, we found a cellulose acetate based thread that could be made of bagasse.
sewing experimentation
There are many stitch types, but we chose a button stitch to fasten the PCB to the aluminum frame.
hardware repurposing
What if we designed our electronics with repurposing in mind? Our solution makes it easier to reclaim used hardware that is in good condition to use in new devices.
Duration: 3 weeks
Group Project: Alexis Tran, Bruno Bertolo, Jie Chen, Justin Mamaril, Lauren Para.
Role: Research, Sketching, Prototyping, Photoshop, Sewing.
