Skills
UX Research
Product Design
Service Design
Sustainable Design
Visual Design
3D Modeling
Research Methods
Field Observation
Expert Interview
User Interview
Study
Tools
Figma
Adobe Creative Suite
Keyshot
PTC Creo
Time
Sep 2018 - April 2019
each year due to air pollution
of the global population breath air that does not meet safety standards
in mortality risk from ischemic heart disease
The global average ground-level ozone concentration increases by 2.5% annually
10
23-35
online
Target User
Based on the interview insights, most participants reported experiencing the highest level of air pollution outdoors, especially when riding a scooter or walking.
Therefore, the target users were defined as people who live in Taiwan and frequently commute or spend time outdoors, such as scooter riders and pedestrians.
live in Taiwan
scooter rider
pedestrian
Persona
Based on environmental reports and government publications in Taiwan, transportation is identified as one of the major contributors to urban air pollution. Emissions from vehicles, especially scooters and cars, account for a significant share of CO, NOx, and PM2.5 at street level.
These are the four essential filtration technologies widely used in consumer air purifiers.
To determine the most appropriate filtration method for outdoor use, we consulted a postdoctoral researcher. Based on his recommendation, we adopted Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) because it can effectively break down secondary pollutant precursors while remaining energy-efficient.
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) uses UV light to activate a photocatalyst, creating highly reactive particles that break down secondary pollutants and their precursors into harmless substances such as CO₂ and water. This makes PCO a clean and efficient method for improving outdoor air quality.
Most air purifiers on the market are designed for indoor use. Outdoor air purifiers are rare, and the existing solutions are usually large-scale installations.
Concept
In the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei, there are approximately 160,000 streetlights and about 10,000 traffic signals distributed throughout the urban environment. Traffic density is strongly correlated with both the number of traffic signals and the level of air pollution, meaning that the density of traffic signals can serve as an indirect indicator of pollution levels.
Based on this relationship, this concept integrates an air-purification system into existing city infrastructure, such as traffic lights, pedestrian signals, and streetlights to help improve outdoor air quality in high-density areas.
traffic density ∝ number of traffic signal
traffic density ∝ level of air pollution
number of traffic signal ∝ level of air pollution
Improving outdoor air quality cannot be solved with a single device. Since pollution spreads across the city, the purification system must also exist as a distributed network. By leveraging Taipei’s dense infrastructure of traffic lights and streetlights, this concept transforms these existing points into a connected air-purification network.
single point
mutiple points
Traffic lights, streetlights, and pedestrian signals are equipped with IoT sensors and data analysis to adjust the fan’s airflow automatically. When air quality worsens, the system increases the airflow to enhance purification; when the air is cleaner, it reduces the airflow to save energy. This creates a smart and efficient purification network across the city.
fan
IoT
big data
Investigating air-intake directions, filtration modules, and ergonomics for traffic signals purification.
The prototype was modeled in PTC Creo and visualized in KeyShot. The urban context render demonstrates the product’s scale in real street environments, and the exploded view reveals the internal structure and detailed design of the purification system.
Prototype
After several rounds of refinement, we divided the model into multiple structural segments and produced each part using SLA printing due to the overall height of the prototype.
Once printed, the components were assembled with the internal electronics, followed by sanding and painting to achieve the final finish.
Because the product is tall with a relatively small base, the prototype was partially embedded into the display platform for stability.
One side of the platform features a simplified urban streetscape, while the other integrates RGB LED strips controlled by Arduino. This setup simulates how the system adjusts its operation intensity through IoT and real-time environmental data.
Throughout this project, my understanding of air pollution evolved significantly. I initially focused on PM2.5 as the primary issue, but research revealed that secondary pollutants, such as CO and NOx emitted from vehicles, pose an even greater impact on human health. This realization strengthened my determination to explore solutions for reducing these harmful substances, even leading me to travel to another city to consult with experts.
Integrating IoT and data-driven control also introduced new considerations. While real-time sensing allows the system to operate more intelligently and efficiently, it also raises questions regarding infrastructure cost and long-term maintenance. These reflections informed my decision to avoid filter-based purification methods that require regular replacement. Instead, I focused on approaches with lower maintenance needs, making the concept more practical for public implementation.
If I were to redo this project, I would place stronger emphasis on performance validation, including airflow and purification efficiency testing, and conduct additional in-context user observations at street intersections. These steps would help bridge the gap between conceptual design and functional performance, enhancing the project’s real-world feasibility.
