population has access to safe clean water despite the rich natural resources around the country.
25%
population has access to safe clean water when it comes to Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city.
•Research
Desktop Research
Starting observation with a closeup lens on the local environment.
Our research began with a direct exploration of everyday water-related scenarios, allowing us to identify and distill four key factors contributing to current water challenges: water quality concerns, supply shortages, aging infrastructure, and climate variability.
User Interview
Gaining insights from experts and local citizens. Expanding on our understanding of existing challenges, we conducted interviews with local experts and citizens to explore their perspectives on key pain points. We discovered that water quality concerns significantly affect their daily lives.
Pain Points Anaysis
Mapping water interactions for in-depth insights. Using insights from interviews, we created a user journey map to analyze how citizens interact with water throughout their day. While community-driven solutions address some challenges, key issues still persist.
Insights Discovery
Insight 01
Even when water is purified at kiosks or through filtration systems, transporting it in jerricans and improper storage can reintroduce bacteria and contaminants before drinking.
Insight 02
Most community-driven solutions focus on removing bacteria and visible impurities but do not address heavy metals, industrial waste, or chemical pollutants.
Insight 03
Affordability and accessibility barriers.
Some advanced solutions require electricity power, regular maintenance, or infrastructure that many users can not afford or access.
Limited chemical filtration.
Post-filtration contamination risk.
•Design Definition
How might we create solutions for households in Mombasawho to improve last-mile water quality securitywhat, ensuring affordability, flexibility, and ease of accesshow?
•Frontstage Product Design
Concept Exploration
Exploring ideas around findings.
After identifying the direction, we started to explore concepts that could seamlessly integrate into the local scenario, and we aimed to create an intuitive solution that would cater to the specific needs and preferences of the community.
Technology Case Study
Drawing inspiration from existing technologies.
To kickstart the physical product design phase, we started with a study of current filtering technologies, which paved the way for developing a tailored solution for the specific context of Mombas
Concept Development
Advancing details for further development. During this phase, we focused on refining the mechanism and structure of the product that aligned with the overall form and design language.
Prototyping
Examining and iterating the idea in three-dimensional way. After several rounds sketching and rapid prototyping, we went for high precision 3D printing to examine and showcase how the product works.
•Backstage Service Design
System Map
Reshaping the local water system with new values. We introduced three key services to address existing challenges, building new connections and maximising the value from various local stakeholders.
Wireframe Flow
Demonstrating the digital experience logic.
We utilise low-fidelity wireframes to visually illustrate the user journey and enhance the overall user experience of the app service, emphasising the digital participation of users.
User Interface
Create an intuitive and streamlined process for easy onboarding and quick familiarity.
Visualise the deliver information for promoting efficiency.
Enable access to detailed information for convenient comparison with a simple click.
•Final Design
The final physical concept is a water filtration product specifically designed to enhance water security for individuals residing in rural African communities.
Simple assembly, repair with ease.
The intuitive structure design offers an effortless assembly experience, and also brings a cost-effective solution for repairs.
Backstage support, full-service experience.
By offering both sharing and ownership options, we expand service access to more families. Timely feedback helps us continuously improve the service and product experience.
Pure water, straight from the jerrican.
Users can filter and drink directly for added water security from the standard jerrican.
01: Unfold the rubber tube.
02: Connect to the top of the jerrian.
03: Start to pump.
04: Filter the water into the container.
05: Complete.
Effortless water transfer, jerrican to jerrican.
Users can easily transfer water between jerricans, ensuring the stored water remains safe and clean.
01: Remove the container.
02: Connect the tubes to both sides.
03: Connect to the jerricans and start to pump.
04: Water will be filtered to the target jerrican.
1. A holistic approach about service design. This project provided me with a valuable opportunity to dive into service design thinking and expand my knowledge in this field. It broadened my perspective on real-world challenges and taught me how to maximize the value of a product by giving care and attention to every part of the user journey. While exceptional hardware design is crucial, it’s the entire experience that ultimately shapes what people love.
2. Enriching physical products with digital experiences. This project has inspired me to explore how physical products can be enriched with new value and impact through digital experiences. Looking ahead, I’m eager to further investigate the interaction between tangible and intangible elements, seeking deeper insights into how their integration can transform the user experience as a whole.
