Project Background
In order to make a difference in the current social climate, we decided to pursue a virtual case competition on the topic of face masks. Students gained insight into the challenges faced by individuals who are unable to wear traditional face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, our goal was to raise awareness about the importance of wearing masks and to empower youth in BC to use their voice and ideas to make a difference in the fight against a growing pandemic.
Our Vision
Our vision was to help students identify the roots and causes of issues, take action, and find a solution. By developing a case competition, we intended to have students face real-world problems and give them the tools to develop a sustainable solution. We hoped to inspire students to take initiative in their community.
Our Goals
- To raise awareness about the effectiveness of face masks in the fight against COVID-19
- To empower students to believe that they have a voice and have the capability to raise awareness about issues in their community
- To introduce the engineering design process to high school students and stress the importance of collaboration and teamwork between different faculties when solving real-world problems
- To provide students with insight of the challenges faced by individuals wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Case competition Details
Problem Statements
We provided students with 5 different problem statements to choose from:
Facial Hair
People with facial hair often find that their beards can obstruct their face and prevent proper positioning of non-medical masks. The inability to fully seal the mask around the edges diminishes its effectiveness, and increases the risk of transmission.
Acne
To be most effective, masks must provide a full seal around the face. However, it is uncomfortable for those who have acne to wear a mask, especially if they have sensitive skin. The close contact of the mask with the face can irritate the skin and cause acne to worsen.
Glasses
People who wear glasses struggle when they wear masks because glasses tend to get foggy and block their sight every time they breathe.
Non-Seal Face Masks
Not all face masks fit everyone properly. For example, if a mask is too big, the sides can fold up and the mask will not provide a complete seal to the face. This is a problem because virus particles can enter/leave the mask more easily.
Hearing Aids
Wearing a mask can prove difficult for people who wear hearing aids as the typical style can muffle voices and cover lips, making it harder for them to hear and understand language. Alongside this, the ear straps can easily entangle with their hearing devices risking damage and/or loss.
Facial Hair
People with facial hair often find that their beards can obstruct their face and prevent proper positioning of non-medical masks. The inability to fully seal the mask around the edges diminishes its effectiveness, and increases the risk of transmission.
Acne
To be most effective, masks must provide a full seal around the face. However, it is uncomfortable for those who have acne to wear a mask, especially if they have sensitive skin. The close contact of the mask with the face can irritate the skin and cause acne to worsen.
Glasses
People who wear glasses struggle when they wear masks because glasses tend to get foggy and block their sight every time they breathe.
Non-Seal Face Masks
Not all face masks fit everyone properly. For example, if a mask is too big, the sides can fold up and the mask will not provide a complete seal to the face. This is a problem because virus particles can enter/leave the mask more easily.
Hearing Aids
Wearing a mask can prove difficult for people who wear hearing aids as the typical style can muffle voices and cover lips, making it harder for them to hear and understand language. Alongside this, the ear straps can easily entangle with their hearing devices risking damage and/or loss.