Tag: Trygve Faste

Project Bamboo

Presenter: Alex Caves

Mentors: Jessica Swanson and Trygve Faste, Product Design

Creative Work Presentation: 10

Major: Product Design

What is a natural material that has a comparable tensile strength to steel, can be used as a primary structure for a multi-story building, has antimicrobial properties, and is the most sustainable material to harvest? Bamboo. Most
of us know bamboo as a privacy hedge for your garden, but bamboo can be used for so much more. In Asia, Bamboo is used for construction for buildings furniture, and can even replace rebar in concrete; it is used to make toys, cooking or eating utensils, things that need to be sanitary; it can be made into baskets; it can be processed into wool to make amazingly soft clothes; and in Japan the shoots are served as a delicacy. I have researched some companies who are now experimenting with bamboo and its fibers to create composites that has the potential to replace harmful materials like fiberglass, and plastics. My goal with Project Bamboo is to change the perception of bamboo as just a gardening plant, and to show everyone the potential of bamboo as a natural alternative to plastics. I have two types of wall mounted hangers made from bamboo so far with several material study samples, and will present these and others at the Symposium.

Feminine Hygiene in America: What Problems America Has Socially, Economically, and Environmentally With Current Products and How to Solve Them

Presenter: Brittany Lang

Faculty Mentor: Trygve Faste, Susan Sokolowski

Presentation Type: Oral

Primary Research Area: Design

Major: Product Design

Feminine Hygiene is often a taboo topic in America. Feminine hygiene is and will continue to be an integral part of a woman’s life for years to come. Most Americans do not have much knowledge of hygiene care products and education. In this study, articles were summarized and placed into three categories of menstrual care: social, economical, and environmental. Eighty women were also interviewed and surveyed to discover other problems within their hygiene care methods and menstrual cycle experiences. This information then helped form, from a design perspective, what is missing in hygiene care. Current priorities for users are that products be cheap, accessible, and easy to use. Environmental priorities are: producing less waste, less chemical use, and increased use of natural materials. The current hygiene market has sustainable options called menstrual cups, which are the least harmful, most economical, and most sustainable form of care even though they are not as popular as tampons. This study hypothesizes that because of a lack of education, cultural acceptance, and product presence in the United States; menstrual cups are not making their way into American stores. There is also not a current menstrual cup product on the market geared towards the modern American woman. American women need a product that empowers them, educates them about their body, is convenient, and creates minimal environmental impact.