“I find it fascinating to think that one can conceive and create a product that is later manufactured in another country and used by people there,” said Sebastián Granotich—a graduate in Industrial Design—in an interview in 2018, after completing his postgraduate degree in Design of Furniture for the Home at ELISAVA University, a center affiliated withPompeu Fabra University.
Now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of his designs has won an award and is available to anyone with a 3D printer: Granotich created a ring that contains soap so people can wash their hands at any time.
What was the slogan for the #SafeToPlay contest?
In light of the global health emergency, the goal was to develop a product created using 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC milling that met at least one of the safety guidelines proposed by Wikifactory:
- Encourage people to wash their hands;
- Encourage social distancing;
- Stay home if you're not feeling well;
- Don't touch your face;
- Take care of yourself and stay healthy.
Before the contest, had you already been thinking about or working on ideas related to the COVID-19 situation?
Not specifically. I was aware of the collective efforts and did my part, but I didn't actually design or manufacture any ventilators, for example.
How would you describe the ring you designed?
The object is made in a single piece without supports and takes no more than five minutes to print. The amount of material used (plastic) is negligible, making it a highly economical and effective product. Unlike other projects presented, and given the results before us, I can say that the jury appreciated the simplicity of the concept and its execution.
The ring is now available.The idea is that users can download the 3D file, adjust its size, and print it. Various filaments can be used for printing, allowing for different color variations and textures. The “gem” is made of soap.
The ring must be evaluated within the context of the contest. Although it is a simple product, it effectively meets the objectives of the #Safetoplay challenge. My goal was to create a simple product that everyone is familiar with.
The general idea is that users can carry their soap pearl with them throughout the day, for situations where there are no sinks or hygiene supplies nearby. My goal was to present the soap as a precious item, which is why it sort of becomes the gemstone in the ring.
Another aspect that the jury viewed positively was the idea of reusing the hotel soaps that we all have lying around at home. Or using locally made artisanal soaps, thereby supporting local craftsmanship.
The platform encourages people to take a DIY approach, to get things done, to stay active—the concept of the “maker,” that creative person who is constantly creating and making things. It gives you the chance to make your own ring, and if you can’t make your own soap, to talk to someone who can craft it by hand and help you finalize the product.
When you won first place in the contest, what was the prize?
The Snapmaker 2.0 A350, a 3-in-1 machine that combines three technologies (3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC).
I also received a one-year membership to the Wikifactory platform, where I can create private projects and use all the tools provided.
In addition, I received guidance from the jury members. They offered me different perspectives and suggested ways to take the project to the next level.
What do you think is the value of 3D printing technology for producing objects and creating customized solutions?
Wikifactory has than 40,000 active users, so it’s likely that many of these people are involved in creating the product. The platform encourages users to collaborate within the community. The goal is for projects to be modified by other members from different countries, thereby generating improvements and updates.
From a broader perspective: How much can design do for users in a situation like this—a public health emergency?
A great deal. Without a doubt, design as a discipline is one of the key areas of focus in the professional world across various fields. Designers are often problem-solvers and, as such, create value in a wide range of situations. Through collaboration and the pooling of resources, designers have made a very positive impact during the global health crisis.