Students of the Product Design Department, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta have proved that they were able to keep productive amid all shortcomings caused by COVID-19, through creative work and innovation.

 Pic Yen, 4th -year student of Product Design Department managed to take 3rd place in International Design Competition for Health Protocol Supporting Products 2021 conducted by Universitas Sebelas Maret. Pic Yen designed Rapid (UV-C Sterilizer for Package and Mail), a tool for sterilizing mail and package surface that can be used by logistic companies. 

 “I got this inspiration when I did field observation and interview at PT Pos Indonesia to collect data for my final project. I gathered information about the method they use to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the shipping process. Based on that observation, I found out that the long process of sterilization by spraying disinfectant on the surface of every package, not to mention the high volume of shipping demand, has caused inefficiency and has an impact on the productivity of the worker,” she said.

Rapid (UV-C Sterilizer for Package and Mail) is an alternative for sterilizing package and mail, which is quick, easy, compact, and does not leave residue on the surface. The product uses ultraviolet type C (UV-C) sterilization method that has a germicidal characteristic. “This product is design in a tunnel-like shape with two open sides and two-layers thick screens at each side to prevent eyes and skin area from being exposed directly to UV-C. An adjustable roller conveyor is installed along the sterilizing tunnel to adjust the angle and height of the conveying packet or mail. The sterilization process takes 6-10 seconds per object on average. The product can accommodate good less than 5 kg with the dimension of tunnel 50 x 60 x 200 cm, said Pic Yen.

Matthew Jannes Wahono, another student of the Product Design Department, also participated in the same competition. The 3rd year student received 3rd Honorary Mention for his design “Diamond Adaptable Collar Mask”, a sophisticated and ergonomic mask. The mask fits the nose snuggly with a loop that can be adjusted to the head automatically.

Before, Matthew has carried out a survey to ask users about the factors that make face mask comfortable to wear and what shape is considered cool. 

“This concept was inspired by Nike’s back to the future where the shoelace can tighten itself on user’s foot. Meanwhile, the shape of the mask was inspired by cyberpunk games which characterize by their sophisticated, unique, and futuristic features. As for the cooler in the mask, it was inspired by the latest fashion masks in the market which are currently high in demand,” he said. 

Winta Adhitia Guspara, S.T., M.Sn., the lecturer of Product Design Department who also serves as the Head of the Office Student Affairs, Alumni, and Career Development (Biro III) of UKDW expressed his appreciation for the effort and achievement of these two students. Winta said that the need for functionality and design evolution on assistive products to accommodate new normal life in the future will grow significantly. Society will not go back to life before the Covid-19 pandemic. The availability of assistive products and devices that can help people as well as institutions to carry out new normal.  

“Product Design Department has a list of elective courses related to medical devices and assistive products, such as Biomorphic Products and Healthcare Equipment. Besides, The Student Executive Board of UKDW has also created a division that engages in innovation-related activities under Biro III and Centre of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Centrino) UKDW supervision. Departments, supporting offices, and students have worked collaboratively according to the motto move together to deliver tough, excellent, and accomplished UKDW students,” he concluded.