Industrial - Bachelors
The PneuVac handheld vacuum cleaner is an efficient tool for campers and 4WD enthusiasts to help minimise the spread of weeds. Powered by compressed air, it effectively removes seeds, dirt, and debris from vehicles, camping gear, and clothing. This reduces contamination in agricultural lands and national parks, thus promoting environmental conservation.
Recreational vehicles, particularly 4WDs, play a significant role in the spread of invasive weeds across agricultural lands and national parks. These vehicles often carry soil, seeds, and plant debris in camping equipment, canvas products and on other surfaces as they travel through diverse environments. When moving between locations, the seeds can dislodge and establish in new areas, disrupting native ecosystems and impacting agricultural productivity. Additionally, off-road driving can damage vegetation and disturb soil, creating conditions where invasive plants can thrive. By inadvertently transporting and dispersing weed seeds, recreational vehicles contribute to the broader issue of weed proliferation in natural and agricultural settings.
To gather primary research on the spread of invasive weed seeds to agricultural and national park land as a result of unintentional distribution from recreational 4WDing and camping, quantitively and qualitative data is needed. By producing a survey that includes rating scales, frequency counts, Yes/No responses, multiple choice questions and demographic information, it is possible to gather numeric measurable data. These sort of questions help to quantify behaviours, preferences, and characterises of the survey population. Also included within the survey were open-ended questions, opinion based responses and experience descriptions which help to understand the feelings and experiences of the user. Gathering responses from a broad range of people of different ages, backgrounds, camping experience and locations, allows for an inclusive and fair analysis without bias. It may also lead to identifying potential patterns and gaps within the problem which may become a valuable area of focus. The survey was conducted with the intention to gather information from users that have somewhat experience in camping and 4WDing, and to develop an understanding of their knowledge, actions and perspective on the problem.
Semi-structured individual interviews with a camping and 4WDing expert and a park ranger was another method of primary research that was conducted. The crucial interview with the 4WDing and camping expert was necessary to get first-hand experience of the conditions and practices that can contribute to weed spread. Their insights and personal opinions into how camping equipment and 4WD vehicles interact with the environment can reveal practical aspects of how weed seeds are transported and dispersed. By capturing their knowledge and observations, we gain a more comprehensive view of the problem, which is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate weed spread and protect both natural and agricultural areas.
Lauchlan is a dedicated student pursuing a dual expertise in industrial design and mechanical engineering. With a keen eye for design aesthetics paired with a solid understanding of engineering principles, Lauchlan focuses on creating solutions that balance functionality with user-centered design. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, they are particularly interested in how engineering and design intersect to solve real-world challenges.