Hannah Eickmann
Industrial Design
I believe design should have a positive impact on an individual and societal scale. As a result, my design process focuses on solving real user problems to provide genuine positive outcomes which also protect and consider our environment
Final year project
Improving at-home testing of Urinary Tract Infections.
Eva
Eva is an at-home Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) test for those who struggle with recurrent UTIs. In the UK, one in five women will experience this in their lifetime. The current methods used to diagnose and treat UTIs have not changed since the 1950s. COVID-19 has dramatically altered the point of care and at-home testing industry, making this method of testing faster and more accessible; almost all of us engaged with the fast result, at-home testing via lateral flow test kits. The Eva testing kit contains a sample pot and funnels to aid users in collecting a sample and a syringe to administer the sample into the test module.
At-Home Testing
Whilst experiencing symptoms many women can find it distressing and uncomfortable to schedule and attend doctors' appointments. Eva focuses on empowering women to prioritise their health by allowing the user to take the test in the comfort of their own homes.
Prototyping
At various stages in the design process a range of prototyping methods and materials, from the low-fidelity card and blue foam models to medium-fidelity prototyping methods, were used in order to gain useful insight. Iterative prototyping and user testing method were utilised in order to create a suitable, functional and polished solution.
Technology
The test confirms the presence of a UTI using dipsticks which test for leukocytes and nitrites. If present in the urine, these are indicators of an infection. Using LEDs and light sensors (similar to technology used in a pregnancy test) the test can clearly read whether an infection is present. The test also contains bio-sensors which can detect and differentiate between the three most common UTI-causing bacteria. This allows patients access to bacteria-specific antibiotics sooner, helping to relieve pain and clear infections quicker.
Identify
Identify is an Internet of Things device which is designed to monitor a property’s humidity levels, particularly in lower socioeconomic housing. In 2018, 41% of renters reported having mould in their homes. The presence of dampness and mould is significant and can be detrimental to the tenants living in these houses, especially those with young children. Those who live in damp houses are at increased risk of having health problems such as asthma, respiratory infections and unpleasant respiratory symptoms.
Damp
When issues of dampness and mould are reported to the landlords it is often a lengthy process of waiting for a surveyor to solve the issue. Often the issue is not severe enough for landlords or councils to take action. Identifying helps to keep landlords, tenants and councils accountable for the living conditions of their tenants.
Hannah Eickmann
Final year project
Improving at-home testing of Urinary Tract Infections.
Awards
'21 Diploma in Professional Studies
Work Experience
Design Intern, TWO-O, Amsterdam. 2020-2021.
During my placement year, I had the opportunity to work at TWO-O, an interior design and production company based in Amsterdam. Here, I worked on diverse projects ranging from small-scale, client-focused and bespoke projects (e.g. production of cabinets, tables and unique wood-based products) to large-scale hospitality projects. These larger projects included in-house design, manufacture and installation of interiors for several independent restaurants and cafes around Amsterdam and across the Netherlands. I was able to utilise many of the skills I had already gained through my previous design experience as well as overcoming new challenges, such as learning a new language and new skills such as designing to real-world deadlines in a fast passed office. I found it incredibly rewarding to apply my design experience to projects which manifested into real-world products and interiors.
Media Secretary, Loughborough Students women's rugby club. 2021 - 2022
As media secretary, I have created, published and distributed creative content with the aim of promoting LSWRFC across a range of social media platforms. The quality of the content produced, which involved over 250 hours of volunteer work in this role, and the impact of the content on the club (including increasing the club’s Instagram following to over 1000 people) have resulted in two personal award nominations in the categories of ‘Media Marketing Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Committee Member of the Year’. During my time I have been able to further expand my skillset in Adobe Suite including Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro, as well as having also developed my creative thinking and wider skills.