Whissel: harmonizing design with health advocacy through research
If one seeks a defining concept for industrial design that elucidates its essence and problem-solving nature, it involves the exploration of forms harmoniously aligned with both functionality and production parameters. In certain domains, a heightened sensitivity becomes essential in the quest for these forms, where efficiency transcends mere technological aspects, incorporating diverse sources of inspiration in the pursuit of innovative design solutions.
Whissel, a project by designer Ridima Jain, exemplifies her commitment to blending innovative design with meaningful health advocacy. This project, developed at the Pratt Institute in collaboration with the Partnership to End Addiction, addresses the critical issue of opiate addiction and its lesser-known side effect, ototoxicity.
This apparently unclear object was designed at Pratt’s Industrial Design Department in a course conducted by Prof. Alex Schweder. Drawing inspiration from ancient Peruvian whistling vessels, Whissel is a creatively designed drinking glass that serves a significant health monitoring function. Each use of the glass, accompanied by a low-frequency chirping sound, is a reminder of the potential ototoxic effects of certain medications, which can lead to reversible hearing loss if detected early.
The research phase, bolstered by insights from the Partnership to End Addiction, was instrumental in shaping Whissel into a tool that is not just innovative but also deeply empathetic towards individuals navigating the complexities of medication use.
With over 200 known ototoxic medications in circulation, Whissel represents a fusion of design and health advocacy, transforming an everyday item into a crucial health ally. This project underlines Ridima Jain’s dedication to creating solutions that are not only functionally elegant but also profoundly impactful in promoting health awareness and personal well-being.
This initiative gained significant recognition and was proudly showcased at the prestigious ICFF/WantedDesign 2023, a platform that highlights exemplary design innovations. It was also presented recently by the Dean of Pratt’s School of Design, Anita Cooney at the 1st Ibero-American Research and Design Forum in Madrid, Spain.
The Whissel serves as a compelling illustration, showcasing not only the translation of research findings into everyday artifacts but, more significantly, highlighting the role of industrial design in shaping innovative object typologies and addressing poignant challenges faced by individuals.
Information
Ridima Jain is an Industrial and Lighting designer born in India, with a Master’s degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She is a founding member of the Women in Design NYC Chapter of IDSA and currently a Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Interior Design at Pratt Institute.
Ridima Jain / Industrial Designer – Educator
www.ridimajain.com
