Nutra Patch
A sustainable skin patch made from algae that monitors nutrient levels via a mobile app.
Year
2022
Client
Green Lab
Project Overview
Green Lab is an open innovation lab and ecosystem in London, United Kingdom for individuals and organisations to design sustainable solutions to complex urban food, water and waste challenges. The project brief was to develop a functional and eco-friendly product using algae, considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal.
Nutra Patch is an eco-friendly skin patch made from algae, designed to effortlessly track your nutrient levels via a mobile app. Inspired by post-humanism, this biodegradable patch delivers real-time insights on essential nutrients such as Vitamin C and Calcium, helping users manage their health while reducing their environmental footprint.
Offering a sustainable alternative to conventional health-monitoring tools, Nutra Patch supports wellness and environmental sustainability through its use of eco-friendly materials and thoughtful lifecycle management.
The Task
The project brief was to develop a functional and eco-friendly product using algae, considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal.
Research and Methodology
For the research, we explored algae-based sustainable materials, focusing on sourcing, processing, scaling, and disposal, and applied principles of bioengineering and circular economy. Collaborating with Materiom, we prototyped a nutrient-monitoring wrist patch integrated with a mobile app for real-time updates.
The design prioritized comfort, ease of use, and minimal environmental impact, using algae sheets and natural dyes. Sustainable UX design reduced the carbon footprint, while laser printing and a thoughtfully crafted mobile UI completed the product development.
Brainstorming
Partnered with Materiom to explore versatile applications for algae-based materials across different sectors.
Exploring Sustainable Materials
Explored sustainable materials with a focus on algae's potential across various industries.
Considered key factors such as sourcing, processing, scaling, and disposal.
Applied principles of synthetic biology, bioengineering, and circular economy.
Collaborated with Materiom for practical insights into integrating living materials into everyday products.
Prototyping
Designed an initial health-related patch, evolving it into a nutrient-monitoring wrist patch.
Integrated the patch with a mobile app for real-time nutrient level updates.
Product Design
Developed a patch featuring a microchip that provides feedback on nutrient levels through colour changes.
Ensured the design prioritised comfort, ease of use, and minimal environmental impact.
Sustainable UX Design
Evaluated the environmental impact of hardware materials.
Minimised the overall carbon footprint of user interactions.
Product Development
Created algae sheets using agar-agar, glycerol, water, and gelatin.
Incorporated natural dyes for visual nutrient indicators, resulting in a sleek, biodegradable patch.
Graphic Design
Utilized laser printing for product development.
UI for Mobile Application
Designed the user interface for the accompanying mobile application.
The Final Outcome
Nutra Patch combines unique technology with ecological responsibility. It offers a practical solution for health monitoring while promoting sustainable practices, making it a key player in the future of environmentally friendly health products.
