Spring 2020

Installation Art by Mian Wei and Karsten Goodwin

2019 with Life Electronics

FIGUR8 Kinematic Fusion™ is a revolutionary system which quantifies the micro expressions of body movement. It is lightweight and can transmit biometric data -– joint angle, range of motion, muscle activation and contraction – wirelessly via Bluetooth. LIke athletic tapes, the system is highly configurable to either individual or multiple body segments. Examples of applications include pinpointing the origin of fatigue, preventing injury and assessing the ergonomics of instrument design. This solutions helps workers, athletes and patients train correctly, heal optimally and live healthier, injury-free lives.

IF Award: https://ifworlddesignguide.com/entry/255149-figur8-kinematic-fusion

Coming up Soon...

With Carolina Briano and Ruby Schechter

A safer power plug design that can be ejected by pushing or kicking the side panels.

Featured on Yanko Design

Identity is a counter-surveillance fingerprint kit. A box of Identity comes with 21 fingerprints, each with a unique pattern embedded in the silicone that can be read by any fingerprint imaging device. Contrary to real fingerprints, they are easily replaceable and will not leave traces anywhere.

Fingerprint recognition has become one of the most popular authentication methods in the world due to its convenience. People often perceive it as the most advanced and secure technology used to unlock their digital devices, and many companies are collecting fingerprints from their customers. However, they do not recognize the potential security risk. As humans, we are constantly touching things and leaving fingerprints everywhere. It is easy to steal fingerprints from anyone. Fingerprints are also irreplaceable. If a person’s fingerprints get captured and leaked, the person can never use them as security keys anymore.

This project is aimed to develop an alternative solution that takes advantage of the convenience and the sophistication of fingerprint imaging without the security compromises, and at the same time raise awareness of the danger in over-trusting fingerprints.

Featured on VICE Motherboard, Core77, BoingBoing, PlanetBiometrics, our RISD, and the 06 (Nov/Dec) | 2016 issue of Designreport.

2016

斗拱 (Dougong) is a type of structural element of interlocking wooden blocks used in traditional Chinese architecture. The structure is invented in late centuries BC, and further developed throughout Chinese history. Dougong is essential to the timber frame structure of traditional Chinese building, as it distribute weight and binds the roof and the pillars together. Many modern architects simplified this structure and used it on their work for aesthetic purpose. However, most simplified version of this structure are over simplified; they lack the interlocking construction and therefore weaker. I started this project to build the next step in this architectural lineage. With plywood, the bracket (拱Gong) could be made easily with machine procedure, and locks both the upper and the lower beam (斗Dou) by the side rails. This structure minimizes the footprint for the table and gives it an unique expression. Intense research (including a trip across China to study the originals) went into the design and the making of this particular furniture piece. The result is a modern structure suitable for mass manufacturing, and could be extended and applied to both future furniture and architecture development.

Conventional electric toothbrush existed for decades, but none of them are truly designed with care for user experience and environmental impact . This project aims to redesigned an electric toothbrush that is as easy to use as a non-electric one, and do as little harm as possible to the environment. The project started with the breakdown of several electric toothbrushes on the market. Several aspects such as handling, assembly, and environmental impact are investigated and experimented. The final concept developed from the research combines form and function into an environmental friendly and frustration free product.

It uses a vibration motor similar to the ones used in smartphones. This drastic reduced the size and minimize the part that needs replacement. User no longer has to replace the entire head. This minimizes the waste. The small tip is made of silicon, and easier to recycle.

May 2015

A mechanical sequencer that is customizable and fun to play with. The gears are color coded, different color represents different rhythm pattern. Wooden parts are laser cut, and easy to assemble. 

Featured on 設計癖

April 2015

This project is an interactive light installation. Built using Arduino, this light breathes and adapts like living thing. By using a temperature sensor, the light senses the change when a viewer touches it or the room temperature rises. The higher the temperature is, the faster it breathes. 

April 2014