Industrial - Bachelors
Buzzband is an innovative solution to tackling drinking behaviours and the current rates of drink driving in Australia. The band features real-time TAC monitoring through sweat secretion in the wrist. The device emits a luminous glow when the user's skin alcohol levels reach the maximum recommended level of 0.05% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
In Queensland alone, 85% of the population, aged 14 and older, reported drinking alcohol.
(Department of Transport and Main Roads, 2010)
Alcohol consumption impairs essential cognitive skills such as judgement, vision, coordination and reflexes which are required to drive safely. Long term consumption is also likely to have permanent impacts on cognitive abilities. Despite decades of legal enforcements and public campaigns, driving under the influence currently contributes to 30% of fatal road accidents in Australia.
The aim of this project was to better understand the drinking habits and driving behaviours of Australian drivers and design an intervention to reduce drink driving and promote better drinking habits in order to reduce fatal road accidents from DUI.
Both primary and secondary research was conducted on this topic to better understand the following themes:
– Reasons/Experiences/Attitudes of DUI
– Drinking habits
– Reasons for Vehicle Accidents
– BAC testing
47 surveys and 4 interviews were conducted to gain insight into the mindset of potential and current drink drivers. The findings revealed that most drivers did not know the legal BAC in their state and actively avoided roadside testing. The most common reason for vehicle accidents was also found to be driver negligence and law breaking, with drink driving being a large factor.
Buzzband is an innovative intervention that will reduce the rates of drink driving and promote better drinking habits by presenting knowledge of the user’s BAC into their own hands (or wrists). The device features an alcohol-reactive luminol screen supported by sensitive sweat absorption and comfortable, water-resistant straps for long wear times.
Buzzband is an innovative solution designed to reduce alcohol-related accidents by alerting users when they approach unsafe BAC levels. With real-time monitoring and a discreet stylish design, it empowers users to make informed decisions and encourages responsible drinking habits which will help reduce dangerous drink driving cases on our roads.
Shalini is an industrial designer with a background in healthcare. She is passionate about health and user-centred design. She has a keen interest and expertise in research, systems thinking, and CAD modelling with a focus on intuitive and inclusive design.