Blurring the Normal
Let’s face it, masks weren’t designed for communication. They were designed to create a clear boundary between others and ourselves to lower Covid transmission rates.
Since the beginning of Covid, there hasn’t been a lot of changes to the masks that we continue to wear. My goal with this project is to design a mask that is meant to blur the boundary that keeps us from having clear and “normal” interactions.
The images to the right are 3D scans of my face using lidar technology
Concept
My approach focuses on how to better communication and spark interaction after a long two years of Covid isolation and social discord.
While masks are still being used in schools, offices, hospitals, and other public spaces, there is opportunity to create a new mask product that allows for full facial expression while still maintaining safety.
Research
As attempts have been made to diversify the mask market through interesting alternatives, even those that pose as solutions for better interactions come with their own limitations.
Sketches
These sketches explore the idea of transparency through materials and digital media. The goal is to design a piece that allows for better communication through blurring the boundary that masks create.
