Condom Applicator, Traffic Light System, and Baby Breathing Monitor
4:Secs condom applicator generation II and packaging. Roelf Mulder (South African, b. 1959), Byron Qually (South African, b. 1973), and Richard Perez (South African, b. 1970), Dot Dot Dot Ex Why Zed Design (…XYZ) (Pty) Ltd. South Africa, 2007–8. High-density polyethylene, PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride), polyester, aluminum, cardboard, surlyn. Courtesy of designers
Snuza Halo baby breathing monitor. Roelf Mulder, Byron Qually, Richard Perez, and David Wiseman (South African, b. 1980), …XYZ. Manufacturer and client: Biosentronics. South Africa, 2007–8. Monprene, polycarbonate, acetyl, PCBA. Courtesy of designers
The South African industrial design studio Dot Dot Dot Ex Why Zed Design (…xyz) is engaged at every step of the design development process, from ideation, concept development, engineering, and tooling for manufacture to brand management. This method has enabled the interdisciplinary team to design a range of products, such as ergonomic applications for medical devices and safer rugged industrial goods, in Africa and for the international market.
Designed for easy and rapid condom application in less than four seconds, the 4:Secs condom applicator generation II aims to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. HIV/ AIDS continues to be a global concern; more than 10% of South Africa is infected with the virus. The first version of the applicator used “hooks” which easily tore the condom’s latex if used incorrectly. Generation II houses the condom in a molded channel that prevents tension. …xyz also devised thoughtful packaging and suggestive product branding to help attract young consumers.
The result of more than a decade of research in bio-feedback systems …xyz’s Snuza Halo baby monitor prevents SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Instead of the typical under-mattress monitor, this small, portable vital-sign device clips to a baby’s diaper for use not only when sleeping in the crib, but also in transit or anywhere the baby sleeps. Incorporating the latest sensing technology, Snuzu Halo tracks the baby’s breathing; if breathing stops, the monitor sounds an alarm and vibrates, stimulating the baby into consciousness.
…xyz and MTLS claim their modular traffic-light system is the world’s safest configurable traffic light. A traffic-light pole consisting of stackable tubular plastic or polymer sections held in place with a tensioned cable, the system is designed to collapse if a car collides with it, minimizing vehicle damage and passenger injury. The system requires little maintenance and has low replacement costs. Due to its modularity, MTLS can be repaired quickly and retrofitted with new developments in LED technologies, wireless communication, and advancements in traffic monitoring.
Location: south africa