Oasis - A SUSTAINABLE CONTACT LENS CASE
Product / Industrial Design Porject / Ian Jia, Apr. – Jul. 2021
Background
Credit @ Charles Rolsky
As discard contact lenses go through sewage systems, they will break down into smaller particles and ultimately form microplastics. These microplastics pollute the oceans and are mistaken for food by marine animals. Furthermore, microplastics have the ability to absorb various toxins in the environment, and move them into the food chain and up the food chain.
780 Million
Contact lenses are thrown away each year in the UK.
97%
of the UK lenses get flushed in the toilet or thrown in the trash.
500 Years
are needed to decompose the microplastic waste.
Research
- A lot of contact lens contamination is caused by wearers often losing track of recommended replacement frequency and thus wasting their contact lenses by throwing them away early.
- Most users support protecting the environment, but some guidance is required.
- Because contact lenses and related products need to be replaced from time to time, materials must be sustainable and recyclable.
- Recommended replacement frequency is not only related to the environment, but also to the eye health of the wearer.
About Lenses
49% of lens waste is caused by throwing them away early.
67% of wearers wear frequently disposable contact lenses.
About Recycling
77%
of wearers would recycle their discarded lenses.
39%
of wearers thought lenses were recyclable.
70%
of wearers were confused about types of waste that lenses belong to.
User Journey Map
POTENTIAL MATERIAL ANALYSIS
Ideation
Prototype
Model 1
Soap
Considering the complex interior structure and choosing simple shapes.
Model 2
Soap
The shape is inspired by pebbles and users can see how the soap is used.
Model 3
Soap
The shape is inspired by pebbles, making it easier for users to change soaps.
Model 4
Aroma
The collection device is separated from the aromatherapy and connected internally by magnets.
Model 5
Aroma
Change the overall shape to become fluid, while constantly adjusting the size to make it ergonomic.
Model 6
Aroma
Can not protect the aroma. The size is too small to hold enough parts.
Model 7
Dial
Simple shape and dial, more portable, but too small to hold enough parts.
Model 8
Dial
Make the shape more affinity, can be better placed on the table.
Model 9
Dial
Change the shape of dial to make it easier to turn, more creative shape.
Model 10
Aroma
Easy to manufacture Ergonomic, more portable.
Final Model
Wearers can earn points by regularly recycling discarded contact lenses from the company. When the points accumulated to a certain amount, you can get different styles, or a limited style of the dial. The main material for the dial is recycled plastic made from discarded contact lenses.
Rotate to set date and clean lenses. Collect to recycle.
