Group 28 INFO30005 AIP Project HoloMask

HoloMask
The Future of Face Masks

Ella Russell - 1178386

Nicola Witt - 915 747

Ivee Laine Duran - 1091194

Lachlan Copeland - 1219973

Christopher Bryan Gurdamulya - 1123179 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyN04NITwUw&t=59s

 02 / Problem Space

Brief Outline Design a novel interactive wearable device for citizens to interact with a
smart city to enable a sustainable future

Problem Statement How might we mitigate the need for single-use facemasks in the city of
Melbourne?
 02 Covid-19 in the Context of

Melbourne 2020-2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in unprecedented ways. This virus has caused
significant loss and deterioration on human life, public health, food systems, and work-life all over
the world (World Health Organization et al., 2020). Nevertheless, the pandemic has also shown
the importance of proper governance in building resilient health systems. It emphasised the
capabilities of modern day medical science and technology in responding to urgent situations.
The COVID-19 vaccines were the fastest vaccines to be developed in human history, pathogen
identification to vaccine development happened in less than twelve months (Cohen, 2020). This
pandemic reminded us how important it is to be prepared. However, some measures we took for
the sake of health and safety compromised other areas of human life, such as sacrifices made to;

Motivations

for the Problem 1/ Supply & Waste 2/ Communication &

Social Impacts
3/ Front-Line

Healthcare Workers

01 Supply & Waste
One of the many ways an average citizen can protect themselves during the
COVID-19 pandemic is by wearing a face mask or a face covering (World
Health Organization, 2020). This was an attainable solution for most
citizens; however, face masks and other protective gear increased in
demand at a level that most governments in the world were not prepared for.
From the beginning of the pandemic, around “87,000 tonnes of protective
gear” was ordered through the United Nations (Perkins, 2020). This weight
is equivalent to hundreds of blue whales. Perkins (2020) also points out the
fact that almost all of these protective gear would have ended up as waste.
Regrettably, the panic caused by the high demands for protective gear such
as face masks led some governing bodies to make rash decisions. The state
of Victoria was found to have spent $4.4 billion responding to the pandemic
in 2020 (Towell, 2021).
Australians Who Wear Face Masks
58.3%
(Statista, 2020)
JUNE 2020
MAY 2020 12.5%
13.5%
02 / Motivations
The Victorian Health Department used $172 million to purchase protective gear
that was later found to be insufficient and “not fit for purpose” (Towell, 2021).
Despite all that effort, Australian GPs still consistently reported having difficulties in
acquiring PPEs (personal protective equipment) all throughout the pandemic – this
included surgical face masks and N9/P2 masks (Tsirtsakis, 2021). The amount of
waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic is no joke. Boroujeni et al. (2021)
reported that there was a 70% increase in illegally dumped waste in the city of
Melbourne during the pandemic, most of which consisted of PPEs and single use
face masks. It is evident that access to such protective gear is vital in global
pandemics such as COVID-19 but also for the day-to-day use of healthcare
workers. This is why it is a major motivating factor in this project to ensure that new
ways of implementing protective gear into people’s lives are explored further in the
future — and that these new ways do not come at the expense of our environment.
SEPTEMBER 2020
AUGUST 2020
60.3%
 02 / Motivations

The enforcement of face masks during the pandemic also affected people

socially.

90.2%
of Australian adults surveyed “agreed

that face masks caused difficulty in

communication”

Galvin et al. (2022)

These repor ts included an increase in the need for clarification and repetition,

increased difficulty in communicating, and an overall decrease in

understanding others (Galvin et al., 2022).

Fur thermore, cer tain minority groups such as those with hearing or speech

impairments find communicating through face masks especially difficult. A face

mask essentially acts as a physical barrier that prevents access to facial cues

02 Communication and lips when communicating — an impor tant aspect of communication that is

proving to be a major pain point for those with speech impairments (Hampton

et al., 2020). Due to this, it is imperative that alternative ways of face coverings

and Social Impact should be explored that will be both comfor table and inclusive. 

 02 / Motivations

03 Frontline
Healthcare Workers
The recent pandemic has shown the strength and resilience of frontline healthcare
workers. However, it also highlights the fact that this demographic is the most vulnerable
when it comes to pandemics. Healthcare workers put their lives at risk for the safety of all.

“The fact that as many nurses have In fact, four out of five health care or aged care workers who were infected by COVID-19
acquired it from their own workplace (Wahlquist, 2020). Within Australia, the World
died during this pandemic as died Health Organization estimates that around 1,300 healthcare workers died during the
reporting period of the pandemic (Woodley, 2021). Sadly, this number is only
during World War I is shocking. Since representative of the reported cases during a specific reporting period and is expected to
be much higher (Woodley, 2021). As healthcare workers are the demographic that make
May 2020 we have been calling for the use of face masks in their daily life, regardless of a pandemic, it is important to note that
any advancements in the area of PPEs would be a big help to them – be it an
standardised and systematic collection improvement in comfort, accessibility, or the like.

of data on healthcare worker infections

and deaths, and the fact that is still not
happening is a scandal” 

— International Council of Nurses Chief Executive Officer Howard

Catton (International Council of Nurses, 2020)

4/5 health care/aged care workers infected at the workplace

 03 Existing Types of Face Masks

There are many types of face masks available with different use cases and effectiveness. One
distinction to keep in mind is, for the purposes of this report, face masks include respirators. The
main difference is that  face masks are primarily used as a physical covering to contain any
droplets and particles that is discharged by its user, while respirators are physical coverings that
also filter the air that its user breathes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

KN95 masks are deemed as one of the most effective “face masks” that is widely available to the
consumer market (University of Maryland Medical System, 2022). It has a particulate filtration
efficiency of 83-99% (Sankhyan et al., 2021). Ranking very close to the KN95 masks are its close
counterparts N95 and KF95 (see tbl. 1). 

Current Approaches
Furthermore, the specific face masks that are provided for and used by healthcare professionals
are surgical masks (UNICEF, 2021). While this is effective in physically blocking particles, its
filtration efficiency scores significantly lower than that of the X95-class (see tbl. 1). It can be
argued that healthcare professionals deserve more efficient masks for everyday use in their
profession. Furthermore, surgical face masks are primarily made up of polymeric materials, this
means that when disposed of, these masks contribute a significant amount of microplastic waste
(Aragaw, 2020).

Current
On the other hand, the options for more sustainable and reusable face masks (such as the cloth
mask) often have to sacrifice its filtration efficiency and require constant cleaning and

Approaches
maintenance. Face shields, on the other hand, are extremely effective as they are one solid
material — it completely blocks particulates rather than filtering them (Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, 2020). However, they are extremely uncomfortable for prolonged usage and still
require proper sanitation after each use. Suffice it to say, a new solution is vital. One that makes no
compromise in its filtration, sustainability, and comfort.

Double Diamond Method 04 / Design Processes

The Double Diamond Method was used throughout the iterative process to help the researchers consolidate their thoughts during the conceptual phase of the design
process. By using this model as a framework, a solution was created by bridging findings from the problem space (overconsumption of single use face masks) to the
solution space (discovery of Photonic crystal filtration)

DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER

Research Phase Synthesis Phase Ideation Phase Implementation Phase

Problem
Design Brief Statement Solution
Primary Low and High
Research Fidelity
Sketches
Findings, problem Final Showcase, Video,
statemenmt Report

Secondary Story Board,

Research: 3D
Mindmaps Modelling,
Interactions

Problem Space Solution Space

 04 / Design Processes

Upon receiving the brief our group conducted a brainstorming exercise in order to fully comprehend each of the

Brainstorming four mandatory components that make up the novel technology we’re designing.

Components

City of
Wearable Smart City Sustainability
Sustainability
Melbourne

Directly Wearable Information Received Environmental Air Quality Concerns

Attachable Information Provided Economic Strain on healthcare

Watch COVID-19 Tracking Well-Being What is a smart city?

How to contribute to
Glasses Information Provided Current initiatives
sustainable future?

Is the tech itself

Masks Sensors
sustainable?

How would the tech Reduce single-use

Rings
contribute? masks
 04 / Design Processes

Once our concept of making a face-mask was recognized through the low-fidelity sketches, high-fidelity
sketches helped us determine the more specific details, such as placement, specific technology and how the
device would operate.

High Fidelity
Sketches
 04 / Design Processes

First Iteration
Our first iteration was built using Fusion 360 and brought Fusion Sketches
our conceptual vision to life. This was imperative to the
design making process because it helped us recognise 01 02
there weren’t enough interactions available between the 03
device and the user.

The first device was significantly slimmer, meaning

realistically there was little room for the additional
technology we wanted within the earpieces. The thin stem
of the device also felt flimsy and unreliable for extended all- Fusion 3D Models
day wear. Overall, the design felt simplistic and unfinished.

The ergonomics of the design however were quite

successful, as our 3D printed model proved the device
could be easily placed on and off the user, securely hooking
around the ear comfortably and not proturding out too far,
making the device wearable and a seamless addition to the
user’s existing user flow.
3D Printed Models
 04 / Design Processes

Fusion Sketches Second Iteration

The second iteration was also decidedly our final iteration. The device now
features countless new interactions that help aid the user experience; such as
the manual/auto-mode toggle switch, face-mapping button, assistive AI call
button and the speaker driver.

Fusion 3D
Considerations to these additional interactions was incredibly beneficial to the
Models overall design and functionality of our wearable technology. This process
encouraged us to consider ourselves as the user and assess their needs
further.

For instance, previously the device would activate without informing the user
3D Printed Models as to why. This likely would have caused confusion and panic as user’s
questioned what contaminants were in their area. Adding an assistive AI that
communicates with real-time data resolved this problem and also
personalised the experience; as did the face-mapping function.

Additionally a case was designed to securely house the technology. Being that
the earpieces are not protected by the holographic face-mask, it was the
logical conclusion that the technology should also be filtered of any harmful
Charging Case contaminants while it was being charged. The case therefore incorporates
UV-C light for device filtration.

User-testing of the device still proved it was a comfortable and easy-to-wear

technology.
 05 / Reference Projects

Smart Masks
During the height of the pandemic mask instantly became an essential part of daily

life, at the time a few companies tried their hands at giving smart functionality to a

mask. The smart features need to be balanced for the user’s experience in mind.

Because with more functionality comes the problem of weight, comfort & bulk.

The key research problems for

smart masks
Figure 2: Set criteria provided by a previous study regarding smart mask

For this case we took a look at these 3 smart mask from major brands:
(Hyysalo et al., 2022)

01 LG PuriCare 02 Phillips Fresh Air 03 Razer Zephry

All of the products in question take on a reusable mask shell with replaceable filters The product on the existing market doesn’t touch upon the sensory possibility that a mask

and a fan to help with airflow. Each product boils down to the same product with offers to the users, rather it focuses more on user comfort and replaceability of the filters

different focus in mind such as phillips focus on wearability and razer’s N95 while costing more than your disposable mask. While smart masks have different sensory

certification for the filter. These features, while could be argued as the first iteration possibility, the product on the current market might be hindered by the current

for the mass market, could be quite easily interpreted as a trendy product during the technological level of consumer tech.

time while giving user’s small reason to actually adopt the product for long term

usage.

 05 / Reference Projects
LG Tone UV Case
LG’s 2019 offering for True Wireless Earphone tried to cover a niche market of cleanliness conscious Personal in-ear headphones averaged

119,186 CFU
consumers. The case that the earphones come in has a UV light that is certified to kill 99.9% of
bacteria on the earphones after 10 minutes of being in the case. While niche by nature, wearable
technologies might have potentially high Colony Forming-Units (CFU) based on some testing. (UL
Solutions, 2020). See Figure 3.

eSence (Open Source earable by Nokia Labs) 6X

More bacteria

330X

More bacteria

2,708X

More bacteria

Designed to be a platform for usability researchers to test out the possibility of than a kitchen than a kitchen than an average
the features that can be implemented into a standalone wireless earphone, tap countertop cutting board
eSense has audio, motion, and proximity sensors within it to gather data from
the user.(Fahim Kawsar et al., 2018)
Figure 3: SeniorLiving.org Team, 2021

As a City Personal Assistant CSR Flash

Rather than using the current method of requesting queries via existing personal assistant Processor Memory
APIs via the internet, the paper tried getting hyper local data from pinging nearby wifi to
return a hyper localized reply based on a query (Utku Günay Acer et al., 2019). Multi-colour Speaker
LED
6-axis IMU
Sensing user’s facial movement based on different muscles
Bluetooth/BLE sensor
By using data gathered from gyroscope and accelerometer, focusing on different types of Push Microphone
muscle and processing it through different learning algo. It managed to detect smiles and button
frown in a controlled environment.(Lee et al., 2019)
40mAh Li-Po Contact
battery Charging Figure 4: eSence, 2023
 06 / Our Solution

HoloMask is a state-of-the-art holographic face mask that uses the power of photonic crystal
Introducing HoloMask sensors to detect and mitigate airborne diseases and pollution.

The researchers aim to tackle waste and supply issues by creating a reusable and rechargeable
mask. Through the distribution of such a technology, there will be little to no need for the mass
overconsumption of single use face masks. This also means ease of comfort and communication
for its users due to the projection of an intangible and see through Photonic crystal-based
filtration. Hopefully, streamlining the lives of frontline healthcare workers who need PPEs daily.

01 Reusable 02 Breathable

Holomask is
Holomask does not
a rechargeable
physically cover the face
and portable device or hinder communication
03 Sanitary 04 Seamless & Comfortable

UV-C light in the case Constructed as a stand-

sanitises the technology alone product, simply
during charging wear it & let it do its job
 06 / Our Technology - Overview
1D2
122

HoloMask Overview
HoloMask is a wearable holographic face mask that utilises the combinations of photonic
crystals with holography. Photonic crystals are structures that control the propagation of
photons between energy bands, allowing for the prevention or allowance of different
wavelengths of light to cross the gap and pass through materials (Maka et al., 2003). HoloMask
employs this effect to distinguish between different wavelengths of light associated with
potentially harmful substances and clean air, allowing for the filtration of contaminants and an
efficient, non-invasive user experience.

01 02 03

Selective Wavelength

Photonic Crystals Detection & Filtration Holography

 01
06 / Our Technology - Overview

03

01
03

Photonic Crystals 01
02

Selective Wavelength Detection & Filtration 02

Holography 03
 06 / Our Technology - Breakdown

Photonic crystals are nanostructures containing structural features that exist on a size-scale

Photonic Crystals similar to that of the wavelength of light. These nanostructures interact with photons in a way
that grants control over their propagation, prevention and behaviour (Olyaee et al., 2017).
Different arrangements within photonic crystals allow them to exhibit unique and wide-
ranging optical properties and effects (Kou et al., 2019) .

The photonic bandgaps created by photonic crystals allow for the sensitivity to and filtration

Photonic Bandgaps of targeted contaminants. This is achieved by tailoring the properties of the nanostructures,
such as by altering the periodicity of the structure or its refractive index contrast (Fangfang et
al., 2023). Through this they can be specified towards the absorption or scattering spectra of
specific airborne pollutants.

Speaking specifically of quality monitoring and filtration, the photonic band gaps allow the
selective detection of specific airborne contaminants via the elimination of their

Selective Wavelength corresponding absorption bands or spectral signatures (Andres-Arroyo et al., 2011). For
example, pollutants such as harmful gases like Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) or volatile organic
compounds (VOC’s), have specific absorption or scattering wavelength peaks in the visible
Detection & Filtration light, infrared and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum (Martin et al., 2019) .
Production of photonic crystals with bandgaps specific to these contaminants’ spectra allows
for the filtration of the pollutants as only the desired wavelengths are able to pass through the
facemask. The mask’s detection is incredibly specific and precise as a result, as the crystal-
based sensor is tuned to detect the targeted contaminants.
 06 / Our Technology - Breakdown

The size-scale on which photonic crystals are produced make them a perfectly
Miniaturisation & implementable technology in use with HoloMask as they offer the potential for miniaturisation
and integration, allowing the product to be compact and portable (Qi et al., 2004). Traditional
air quality monitoring systems with any in-built specificity towards contaminants often require
Integration large and complex equipment, making them tedious to carry. Photonic crystals’ innately
smaller size-scale makes them perfect for integration into a portable and wearable device.

HoloMask utilises holographic projector modulators to generate and project the holographic
mask. These projectors operate through the use of spatial light modulation, which
manipulates light waves and creates the interference patterns necessary for the production of
the hologram (Cho et al., 2021). When working in unison with the photonic crystal structures

Holography allows for the manipulation of light at a nanoscale level, providing minute control over the
holographic projected mask, guaranteeing there are no physical gaps or entry points between
the mask and the user (Zewe, 2022). This combination ensures the highest level of safety
and security possible and creates an immersive user experience while maintaining a constant
and unbroken physical barrier between the user and their environment.

The integration of photonic crystals into HoloMask will also allow for the opportunity to deploy

Communication with
sensor networks for distributed monitoring of pollutant and contaminant levels which can be
integrated with the City of Melbourne’s existing sensory infrastructure. This will allow for more
thorough and precise air quality assessments and will be able to enhance contaminant-

Smart City Data detection in real time. This information can then be used in return to dynamically adjust the
photonic crystals’ filtration properties in order to optimise performance in accordance with the
detected contaminants. HoloMask’s adaptability allows for a rapid response to changing
environmental conditions and provides effective filtration to the specific air quality status.

01 Photonic Crystals
The interior of the device consists of a network of meticulously constructed 3D lattices
of photonic crystals which are specifically positioned throughout to optimise its
detection and filtration properties. The thorough coverage yielded by these 3D lattices
allows for filtration capabilities that are maximally efficient and effective.
06 / Our Technology - Systems Interior
01
02
02 Holographic Projectors
The holographic projector modulator integrates seamlessly with the network of
photonic crystals to leverage their potential optical capabilities to enhance
HoloMask’s performance and effectiveness. As the holographic projection passes
through the photonic crystal structures, it is manipulated and refined to produce a
holographic mask that accurately maps to the individual’s face to act as a totally
seamless safeguard.
 Antenna & Bluetooth Chip: Located at the centre of each earpiece is an antenna
06 / Our Technology - Systems Interior
and bluetooth chip that seamlessly connects the device to other HoloMasks, as
01 well as Smart City Data information. This real-time access to Melbourne’s data &
additional masks improves the performance of our photonic crystals. Data is
communicated back to the user through our AI ‘Holo’
03 Additional Technology

Optical Sensors: Optical sensors are provided to notify the device when the user
02 has successfully put on or removed the earpieces
01

Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors determine whether the device is being worn
06
correctly by the user or if one earpiece has been removed, thereby risking the 03
connectivity of the projected hologram mask and jeopardising the user’s health.
03 Our device is equipped with haptic feedback and an AI voice that will gently
remind the user an earpiece is not in place and needs to be adjusted for
maximum protection/mask functionality. 01

Haptic Feedback Chip: Located in each device, the haptic feedback chip is
responsible for delivering any haptic feedback back to the user; such as gentle 04 02
04 vibrations when the battery is low, when face-mapping is activated and volume-
control. At any point, the delivery of haptic feedback can be clarified to more
05
novice users by simply asking ‘Holo’ the purpose behind any vibration.

Battery: Our device utilises a high-capacity and rechargeable lithium battery. With
05 energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, our battery is rechargeable via a
USB-C chord which reduces the waste of single-use batteries

Speaker Driver: Each earpiece is fit with a speaker driver close to the inner ear in
06 order to hear any output from our assistive AI
 06 / Our Technology - Functions & Interactions
Assistive AI
Our technology has an in-built assistive AI to
compliment the user experience. This AI is local
to the device and communicates to the user
information related to relevant Smart City data via
bluetooth. For instance, our AI ‘Holo’ will always
inform the user the reason their mask was
activated when in ‘automatic mode' so the user is
aware of any contaminants in their surrounding
environment. ‘Holo’ can also respond to
questions asked by the user. Additional
information includes announcing the devices
battery percentage and any smart city data
regarding pollutants/contaminated air upon
request. 
Volume Controls
Volume controls are provided to regulate the
auditory output of our AI ‘Holo’. These buttons are
extruded so users can navigate between buttons
without having to remove their earpiece Haptic
feedback vibrations are provided each time the
button is pressed to confirm the action has been
received.
Face Mapping 
Face mapping is available to each individual user
upon setting up their device. An indented button is
provided which, when pressed for a duration of
longer than 3 seconds, activates the devices face-
mapping interaction. This long hold and indented
button is designed to ensure the button isn't
accidentally pressed. The device will then proceed to
use holographic sensors to measure the specific
dimensions of the user's face to ensure there are
absolutely no areas of entrance between the
holographic mask and the user. 
Automatic & Manual Mode 
On the right side of the device is a toggle switch that
determines which mode the user wants their mask to be in;
Automatic or Manual. Manual is made with health-care
workers in mind and means the holographic mask is
permanently activated. Automatic mode is made more with
the general public in mind and means the mask only
projects itself when it detects harmful contaminants in the
user’s area. If the mask is projected during manual mode at
any time, our assistive AI ‘Holo’ will inform the user of why
the mask turned on and what contaminants have been
detected nearby. 
06 / Our Technology - Charging Case

Lightweight & portable design

Supports USB C Charging

UV-C Light for sterilisation

Supports up to 16 hours of charge

Walkthrough of the Usage Scanario 07 / Walkthrough of Usage Scenario

Volume Control Volume buttons

Navigate to LEFT ear What would you like

piece to do with Holo AI?

Interact with Holo AI AI Activation Side-button

Take ear pieces out of Category of

Start charging case
Put on ear pieces Interaction
Auto-Mode Flight switch UP

Interact with Mask Modes Change Modes Which mode?

Navigate to RIGHT ear Which setting would Manual (Force ON) Flick switch DOWN
piece you like to change?

Face Mapping Press and hold round

button
 07 / Design Considerations

Design Considerations The toggle switch to switch between “auto-mode” and “manual-mode” was a design choice
to prevent any accidental clicks. As HoloMask is designed with healthcare workers in mind,
the group opted for a more tactile and secure way of ensuring the users of what mode they
are in. For instance, a healthcare worker in the middle of their shift would not want to be
fiddling around with their ear piece on the job (especially if they are already wearing their
Toggle Switch
PPEs that they do not want contaminated). A singular button to change modes can cause
confusion and can be accidentally pressed given enough pressure. A toggle switch provides a
more tactile reassurance (you can feel if the switch is at the “top” or at the “bottom” state).

01 Priority of Comfort
Holomask offers effortless interactions, enhancing learnability and ensuring ease of use, while also
promoting memorability.

01

02

03

Ear pieces were modelled to accommodate people The shape of the charging case is slim enough to fit in Small crevices were added into the model of the
wearing glasses. It also does not hinder in-ear access pocket. Ear pieces are laid out in a space-efficient charging case for ease of access when taking the ear
for people who want to use earphones. manner to keep a small form factor. pieces out of the case.
 07 / Comfort Considerations

One notable distinction between Holomask and conventional

masks is the reduced number of physical contact points. As a
result, there is a decreased risk of bacterial transfer when donning
or removing the device. This reduced frequency of contact
contributes to improved hygiene and mitigates potential
contamination concerns.

The device securely attaches to the user without the need for
any ear inserts, ensuring that the user's hearing abilities are
not hindered. Its semi-circular shape wraps safely around the
user's ears, featuring a top-heavy design for optimal balance.
Ensuring the device never unintentionally detaches is crucial
to maintaining user safety. In the event that the device is not
properly positioned or starts to slip off, proximity sensors and
a haptic feedback chip will promptly notify the user to
readjust its placement.

Through the implementation of comfortable materials in

Comfort
Holomask, we have addressed the issue of potential discomfort
associated with long-term wear. We recognise that individuals,
especially healthcare workers, often need to wear the device for
extended periods, and it is crucial to minimise any discomfort

Considerations they may experience. Our goal is to ensure that our target users
experience significantly less long-term wear discomfort
compared to currently available masks in the market.
01 Social Adaptation 07 / Additional Considerations
To collect secondary data on customer satisfaction, conducting background research on Apple's AirPods
provided valuable information (Apple, 2019). This research focused on factors such as wearability, durability,
performance, and comfort. The insights gained from this secondary research heavily influenced our design
decisions, considering that a significant portion of Melbourne's population is already familiar with this
technology or similar ones. Consequently, we can reasonably expect that our target audience, sharing a
preference for the strengths of this existing technology, will also adopt our technology. At the same time, we
aim to address any weaknesses that have had a negative impact on the overall user experience, ensuring a
more robust and satisfying user experience overall.

02 Seamless Communication
Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of conversation. It encompasses various
means of expression such as the head, face, body parts, and the body as a whole (Uzun, 2020). According
to De Stefani and De Marco's (2019) research, manual and facial gestures serve as communicative signals
that, in conjunction with language, convey emotional messages during social interactions. Facial expressions
are particularly significant in facilitating effective communication.

With Holomask's holographic projection, users can display their facial expressions, enabling seamless and
effective communication with others. This feature ensures that the face remains visible to enhance the
overall communication experience.

03 Improved Breathability

Filtration
According to a study by Kwong et al. (2021) that reviewed the breathability and filtration efficiency of various
household materials used in face masks, it was found that as breathability increases, filtration decreases. This
study highlights the importance of wearing face masks correctly, as individuals who are unable to wear
masks or coverings properly become more vulnerable to disease or pollutants.

Holomask effectively addresses this issue and offers a reliable solution that prioritises user safety while Breathability
addressing concerns related to breathability and filtration efficiency.
Holistic User Experience
Long-term effectiveness
The facemapping feature of Holomask enables the
creation of personalised facemasks tailored to
individual users, enhancing safety. Additionally, its
comfortable fit allows for extended wear, allowing
the community to benefit from wearing Holomask
even in lower-risk situations.
Accessibility & Portability
With its small size, Holomask is highly portable,
allowing users to keep it easily accessible at all
times.
Filtration efficiency
Holomask stands out by offering a unique
combination of effective filtration and breathability.
This provides users with respiratory issues greater
flexibility and peace of mind.
Assistive AI
Holo, the assistive AI technology, provides real-time
data updates and assists with troubleshooting,
enhancing user engagement and convenience.
07 / Design Considerations
Durability & Reusability
Holomask is crafted from environmentally friendly
materials sourced sustainably, making it an ideal
choice for users who prioritise both durability and
reusability.
Tracking & Privacy
Holomask does not track users or collect personal
information. The device only captures the location
of activated masks, ensuring user privacy and
security.
 08
Figure 5: Projects under construction in CoM via Melbourne Data (City of Melbourne, 2022)
Overview
Currently Melbourne has an open source data with
creative common licence usage. With a publicly
available API, third party developers can integrate City
of Melbourne’s (CoM) data with their system. There are
various datasets that are publicly available, more niche
datasets and unreleased ones can be requested (City
Addressing
of Melbourne, 2022). Example of datasets that could
be used for our product is the Development Activity
Monitor (DAM) to figure out which areas have heavy
the Brief
constructions alongside that CoM has made live
updates of their sensors (such as one for air quality)
available in the API.
08 / City of Melbourne
Smart Infrastructure
One of the main goals of Plan Melbourne 2017 is to
create a city that is smarter and more resilient. With
a focus of integrating smart infrastructure to create
a city that can react faster to changes in the future
(Victoria State Government, 2017). This goal aligns
very well with the main function of HoloMask. A
fully integrated HoloMask with CoM data will create
a symbiosis relationship between the city and the
product with even further integrations with special
datasets if the city is willing to cooperate.

01 / Current Sensor Network
The City of Melbourne has a multitude of initiatives in
progress with the aim of developing into a Smart City,
ranging from new technologies, free wi-fi, re-imaging
can be generated based upon the level of air quality
retail and so much more. One initiative in particular is
called Open Data, which is a source of data based
upon a variety of categories do to with Melbourne.
This data is open to the public, collected from a
range of sensors and is updated infrequently.
as well as what caused them to be activated
In terms of data sets to do with air quality the
Microclimate Sensor datasets were of significant
importance. In the city of Melbourne there are
currently only 16 Micro-Climate Sensors which
collect data on:
distributing any personal information about its users.
[ Ambient air temperaturp [ Particulate matter 2.³
[ Relative humidit• [ Particulate matter 1±
[ Barometric pressure [ Average wind speed
08 / Smart City Data
02 / Our HoloMask Sensor Network 03 / Heat Mapping
HoloMask aims to not only make use of the data Combining the data gathered from the HoloMasks
provided by the Micro-Climate Sensors, but and the Micro-Climate Sensors, real time heat maps
additionally:
[ Provides live datƒ [ The maps are updated in real timp
[ Is not limited to stationary sensor‹ [ Available to the publio
[ Reaches across the entirety of Melbournp [ The information is then fed to HoloMasks to
[ Provides data on where masks have been set off inform the wearers of nearby areas where
contaminants have been detected
HoloMask would be expanding the source of data
across the entire city with each mask feeding
information into the network via a Bluetooth
connection, but most importantly not collecting/
Due to the restricted range of wavelength detection
in photonic crystals, accessing this data ensures an
extra layer of security for our users.

 08 / Sustainability
Holomask aligns with Melbourne's commitment to prioritise sustainability in its smart city initiatives (City of

Holistic Sustainability Melbourne, 2022b). The city's goals, derived from the United Nations' sustainable development goals
(United Nations, 2015), serve as a guiding framework to ensure that Holomask contributes to
comprehensive sustainable development. As Melbourne strives to recover from the effects of COVID-19,
Objections it presents an opportunity for Holomask to evolve and minimise waste, specifically by addressing the issue
of single-use masks. Furthermore, the data output from the device will assist in monitoring and managing
environmental factors such as air quality and pollution, further supporting the city's sustainability efforts.

Sustainable Materials Energy Efficiency

Holomask prioritises the use of sustainable materials throughout the
manufacturing process of the device. This involves the careful selection of
materials that have minimal negative impact on the environment and a
focus on considering the complete lifecycle of the product, starting from
sourcing and continuing through to disposal. An illustration of this
commitment is seen in the collaboration with Victoria's Repurpose It
initiative for sourcing materials (Build, 2022).
Scalability & Adaptability
Holomask is designed to be scalable and adaptable to different
environments and applications. This scalability ensures that our solution
can be implemented across various settings, optimising resource
allocation and extending its sustainability benefits to a larger scale.
The sensor modules are optimised for energy efficiency, utilising low-power
components and intelligent power management systems. This ensures that the
technology operates efficiently while minimising energy consumption and
reducing the carbon footprint.
Collaboration & Integration
We believe in working together and integrating with existing sustainable initiatives
and infrastructure. By joining smart city frameworks and collaborating with relevant
stakeholders, Holomask is a holistic approach to sustainability and environmental
protection. Holomask’s accurate air quality data raises awareness about pollution
and helps improve air quality awareness on a larger scale, benefiting public health
and the environment. Collaborating with the Environmental Protection Authority
Victoria (EPA), specifically their community watch program (Victoria, 2023), allows
us to effectively share useful information with the people of Melbourne.
 08 / Wearable Tech

Wearable Technology
01 / Definition
While there is no hard definition of what wearable tech is, for this instance
we will define it as a piece of technology that can be worn and also
process and communicate information autonomously while being on the
go (Wright & Keith, 2014). Like any tool a wearable needs to be useful but
alongside that a consideration of ergonomics needs to be taken into
account due to the nature of the prolonged time that it will be worn in the
user's body. Taking into consideration both the engagement and
manipulation interface that the technology will use to mediate the users
and the task, ensuring that the usage will be easy, safe, and comfortable
to ensure adoption of the technology (Lin & Kreifeldt, 2001).

Figure 6: Wearable Design Framework viaHuman System Design (Lin & Kreifeldt, 2001)
02 / Adoption Criteria
For a new technology to be adopted on scale by users it will need to fill Perceived Benefits Social Factors
various needs and roles to justify their incorporation into the user’s life.
01 04
What these criterias are has been a discussion in the field of technology
acceptance with various proposed models such as Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of 02 Technology Characteristics 05 Perceived Risks
Technology 1 & 2 (UTAUT1 & UTAUT2) with each focusing on different
aspect of technology adoption. Based on a literature review done by
Kalantari (2017), adoption of wearable tech could be summarise into:
03 Individual Characteristics
 08 / Wearable Tech

03/ Adoption based on

technology use case

Every tool will try to tackle different problems thus the
factors that users take into account regarding their
adoption will vary. Due to the proposed technology in the
report being on the edge cases not much literature has
touched upon smartmask adoption. But there have been
many health centred and lifestyle centred product
adoptions studies which will be a good start to narrow
down the scope of the adoption determinants. See Figure
7.
Figure 7: Adoption Based on Technology Use Case (Kalantari, 2007)

Health management product (Sergueeva et al., 2019) Lifestyle/Smartwatches (Kranthi & Ahmed, 2018)
01 Performance expectancy 01 Hedonic motivation 04 Personal innovativeness

02 Conditions facilitating use of technology 02 Social Influence 05 Price value

03 Social Influence 03 Aesthetics

 09 Overview
According to the Australian Institue of Health and Welfare a total of $4.5 billion is spent annually in
Australia on respiratory-related illnesses, highlighting the significant financial burden associated
with public health issues. However, our wearable technology offers a transformative solution that
can help alleviate these costs. By introducing a more cost-effective and efficient approach to
managing respiratory health, our innovative device empowers stakeholders to proactively address
public health challenges. Through its modular design and seamless integration, our technology
enables precise monitoring of air quality, early detection of contaminants, and personalised
interventions. This strategic approach minimises current expenses, generates long-term cost
savings, and fosters a thriving urban ecosystem. By leveraging the accurate and real-time
information provided by our device, stakeholders can prioritise interventions, allocate resources
efficiently, and implement targeted strategies, thereby reducing costs associated with ineffective
or unnecessary actions.

01 / Air Quality Data & Enhanced Public Health

Financial Much like the rest of the world, the City of Melbourne faced significant economic challenges
during the pandemic, particularly in managing funds allocated to combat the spread of Covid-19.
A notable example is the $21 million investment in the CovidSafe tracking app, which identified

Motivations for
only two unique cases (The Guardian, 2022). Comparatively, our innovative technology offers a
more accurate and cost-effective solution for managing air pollution and improving air quality data.
Here, the integration of smart city sensors with our wearable devices ensures a continuous and

Adopting our
comprehensive stream of real-time data on air quality. This eliminates the need for manual data
input and minimises the risk of data gaps, resulting in more accurate and reliable information for
decision-making. These targeted interventions and protective measures will surmount to a

Technology
decrease in healthcare expenses associated with respiratory illnesses and contribute to an overall
improvement in public health outcomes
 09 - Financial Motivations

By demonstrating an initiative towards environmental sustainability we can also better advertise the City of
Sustainable & Liveable City Melbourne as a forward-thinking and liveable city. These initiatives will inevitably attract new businesses, tourists,
investors and ultimately drive economic growth therefore generating new revenue streams for the city.

Productivity Gains

Economic Growth

First-Mover Advantage

Cost Effective Maintenance

The Business Model
The Business Model takes inspiration from M3DICINE's Stethee Pro Device, an AI-enabled stethoscope system,
09 / Financial Motivations
and anticipates adopting a similar approach (M3DICINE, 2022).

01 SaaS (Software & Services) 02 Hardware Sales 03 Data Sales

Definition: Software as a service (SaaS) refers to a software Definition: The sale of a physical and fully Definition: Data sales refers to the utilization of
delivery model where the cloud provider develops and operational model, including customised information gathered from diverse sources to
maintains cloud-based applications. It offers automatic moulding based on the customer's preference.

enhance sales (McGill, 2021). In the case of

software updates and allows customers to access the Holomask, it will contribute to the expansion of
software over the internet, paying for it on a pay-as-you-go Advantages: This sale represents the initial data sources across the City of Melbourne.

basis (Oracle, 2020).

transaction between the customer and the

product, encompassing both its inherent value Advantages: Data sales aids in decision-
Advantages: SaaS is highly regarded by industry experts and the customisation options through making, customer understanding, and the
(Oracle, 2020), as it brings several key business benefits moulding. The incorporation of moulding improvement of future performance (Cognism
including reduced upfront costs, predictable ongoing service ensures a precise and tailored fit.

Ltd, 2023).

expenses, quick deployment (getting the software operational

within hours instead of months), and the ability to scale on Estimated at $100 AUD
Implementation: When aiming to enhance the
demand to handle increased data or transactional data sources for the City of Melbourne, a
requirements.

suitable approach would involve adopting a

business-to-business (B2B) model where the
Implementation: The AI assistant's software and the sale of data information can enhance their data
information processed by the hardware can be swiftly insights. It is important to note that the data
updated and monetised through this service.
would be strictly used for external purposes,
$10 AUD a Month
respecting user privacy and not breaching it.