A design process framework for wearable air pollution monitoring devices

Air pollution poses a critical global health risk, particularly in dense urban environments where levels often exceed safe thresholds. While fixed monitoring stations provide accurate but spatially limited data, wearable air quality monitor (WAQMs) devices can capture localised exposure patterns for individuals. A significant design challenge for such devices is integrating technical and fashion requirements. This paper proposes a design framework that integrates technology design and fashion design considerations. Drawing on expert interviews three different WAQM device user groups were identified: (i) Occupational Outdoor Users (ii) Lifestyle Users (iii) Health-Vulnerable Users. For each group a design process model is developed. Each model is presented as a pair of intertwined helices representing a technology design stream and a fashion design stream each with different stages. The streams intersect at designated interdisciplinary collaboration points. Iteration is anticipated between stages. The different shapes of the helices represent the different emphases placed on the technology or fashion streams.