A Simple Drain
lONDON//'19//4 weeks
How might we reduce the build-up of solidified cooking oils and grease (aka ‘fatbergs’) in London’s sewerage system that cause severe damage to neighbouring environments within and out of London?
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Lifecycle analysis //
Multidisciplinary collaboration //
Design thinking //
Ethnographic research //
Stakeholder validation //
Material testing //
Rapid prototyping //
Product design Engineering //
A Simple Drain, a drain cover retrofit for kitchen sinks that separates and absorbs cooking oils/grease mixed with running water. Using oleophilic (oil absorbant and water repellent) material and mimicking industrial sized oil skimmers, oils collected in sachets can be dispensed to create more bio-plastic drain covers.
The aim of this cross-disciplinary challenge was to identify, define and solve a problem surrounding the theme of ‘protection’. The project involved the participation of two Design Engineers, a Textile Designer, a Fashion designer, a Product designer and an Innovation Designer (me).
Team | Kunyang Li, Ni Wangxia, Matt Hayden, Kevin Rouff, Imran Nazerali