Facemask of the Future Wins Product Design Competition Supported by Samsung

An up and coming young designer from the University of Lincoln has produced an innovative new facemask to protect children from harmful pollution. Owen Phillips, a final year Product Design student from the University of Lincoln, UK, designed the pioneering new product as part of a project supported by Samsung KX and tech guru Jason Bradbury. Owen’s mask, called ‘Polligon’ – is a highly efficient, N95 grade filtration mask designed specifically for children to protect them from harmful pollution on their walk to school.

The mask is designed so that it can be reversed into a neckerchief to be worn throughout the day, it can also be customised by the user or their school to be incorporated into school uniform. The design is timely as families across the UK try to keep themselves safe from pollution and germs.

Owen said: “With harmful pollution levels and the recent Coronavirus pandemic creating many challenges and increasing demand for respiratory protection, I think it is really important that solutions take into account the needs of different users, stakeholders and cultures to ensure they are feasible and can maximise impact now and in the future.

“I’m really excited to be developing this product further with the help of the University of Lincoln.”

Owen created the protective wear as part of his final year BRADLAB project, which tasks students with producing an innovative new technological product, using the research, creativity and delivery skills they have developed throughout their degree. The BRADLAB was launched by technology guru, author and host of The Gadget Show, Jason Bradbury, as part of his role as Visiting Lecturer at the University of Lincoln to inspire students to be even more creative and innovative with their ideas.

This year’s Product Design challenge for final year students was hosted and supported by Samsung in its new experience space in King’s Cross, London. Samsung KX is London’s newest home of innovation where visitors are encouraged to ‘see things, learn stuff, push their limits and open their minds’. Visitors to the space can attend events, get to grips with the latest tech, discover new experiences and connect with other individuals.

The final year Product Design students were invited to Samsung KX to pitch their inventive new products, but due to the current climate, their designs are now being showcased on the new Samsung KX website. The students took part in a competitive pitch process, which was judged by Jason Bradbury himself and Sebastian Stoddart, Director of Innovation at Samsung.

Sebastian Stoddart said: “As the Home of Innovation, Samsung KX’s online platform is a natural stage for showcasing the students’ submissions and it’s been fascinating reviewing this work. Consumer Innovation is my passion so when it came to judging these concepts I was looking for interesting ideas that had been well researched, considering the whole consumer journey as well as the environment in which the product sat.

“I was impressed by many of the projects, but Owen did the best job of developing an innovative solution to a difficult problem that addressed the needs of all those interested. A big well done to all students that participated in the BRADLABÂ’s project.”

Owen’s full pitch for ‘Polligon’ can be viewed online. The students hope to visit Samsung’s KX space in London soon to experience the innovative space and discover the latest in tech.

Ends