Good Design | Task Two |

[The Guardian Breathing Apparatus]

[What it does?]

Innotech, masterminds behind the revolutionary breathing apparatus, has provided a clear and reliable solution for professional fire-fighters. Due to their high-risk work, a need for better communication allows fire-fighters to feel safer and confident in fighting fires, or any other disaster that arises to their attention.

The Guardian Breathing Apparatus works by using a unique system that sends and receives messages through vibrations through the skull. To send messages, a “Pick-up” mounted against the head of the user, translates vibrations from the skull, generated by speech, into an audible signal. The signal is received through a “Vibration Module” mounted against the head of the user which transmits directly into the wearer’s ear canal, whilst also broadcasting the communication for nearby persons. This setup effectively allows fire-fighters to hear commands and warnings clearer as the user can wear heavy ear protection, and the Apparatus can still be heard through its vibrations. The apparatus is also superior as it sits freely within the mask of the fire-fighters, rather than the conventional speaker and microphone.

[What it's used for?]

The product was originally meant to be used by professional fire-fighters to aid their job in dangerous environments; however the apparatus can be suited for any job that requires a two way form of communication. For example, defence and law enforcement. This is due to its clearer form of communication and having a more mobile setup, the Guardian system is clearly a safer and operational solution to performance in any hazardous situation.

[Visual Analysis]

LINE – Curvy and flowing to give the sense of flexibility the user can gain if worn.

SHAPE – The use of circles to allow easy adaptation to a wearers head.

PATTERN – A pattern of colours can be seen, using yellow and black.

TEXTURE – Smooth texture to allow comfort against the skin

COLOUR – The use of yellow and black to blend into the fire-fighters uniform.

RHYTHM – The use of colours suggests the rhythm

BALANCE– The symmetrical design allows for the idea of balance.

GRADATION – The gradation of start to finish can be seen, as the idea of sending and receiving messages is portrayed this way.

PROPORTION – The circles attract more attention in the product, due to colour and size.

HARMONY – The harmony between the visual aspects of the design allows the yellow to stand out

SCALE - The scale of the design shows the yellow is less towards the ratio to the use of black while, the use of shape is less towards the overall design

[Reference Used]

http://www.designawards.com.au/application_detail.jsp?status=4&applicationID=3041 (Last Accessed: 4/8/08)

http://www.guardian.innotech.com.au/ (Last Accessed: 4/8/08)