Powered by the energy around you. Harnessing heat for healthy hair and a healthy planet
HyphaAir was developed in a one-week prototyping course led by Andrea Desiato and José Chavarría. The challenge was to transform household objects into innovative products embodying two assigned adjectives. The team was given a hairdryer and tasked with integrating the concepts of "hard" and "collaborative." The course emphasized rapid prototyping and iterative design, culminating in a high-fidelity prototype.
The final design was a two-part, detachable, energy-conscious hairdryer. The base featured a heating pad that could be attached to any heat-emitting surface, drawing and converting heat into electricity to power an integrated fan. This approach aimed to reduce energy consumption by repurposing wasted heat from household sources. The product’s portability and modular design enhanced both functionality and ergonomics.
The project highlighted sustainability by making users more conscious of their energy usage. It introduced intentional friction in activating the hairdryer, reinforcing the concept of "hardness" both in material and user interaction. The "collaborative" aspect was reflected in the reliance on external heat sources and the connection between the heating pad and fan.
The base was 3D modeled, with a cork-insulated middle section to protect users from heat. The fan was laser-cut from black acrylic, and the two components were assembled using glue, tape, and magnets. A 3D-printed casing housed basic electronics to power an LED strip, indicating the heating pad’s charging state.
By merging design, sustainability, and prototyping techniques, HyphaAir served as an exploration of alternative energy use and interactive product design.
