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As a designer, I love turning ideas into tangible realities - my thoughtfulness shapes user-centric details. Crafting gentle, aesthetic solutions that ease customers needs captivates me. Feel free to contact me!

RADSAFER – Food Safe Home Nuclear Radiation Tester

Challenge and Opportunities

Secondary Research

HMW Brainstrom

Nuclear accidents (such as Fukushima and Chernobyl) have led to long-term public panic, especially among parents due to children’s bodies being more sensitive to radiation. Phase one research (case studies, user interviews) identified a critical trust gap: the lack of transparency, accessibility, and real-time data in official safety assurances makes them insufficiently convincing regarding infant food safety. The core challenge is to translate complex scientific data into everyday information that parents can act upon. Then, I created a brainstorm to explore more possible solutions.

Concept

Based on all the findings and the summary of the sketches, the general shape of the final solution was eventually determined: a portable detection spoon handle and a custom disposable plastic spoon.

Prototyping

A series of prototypes were developed to test shape, functionality, interactivity, and grip comfort. The final prototype is equipped with an integrated Geiger counter, a small screen, and a PCB (purchased from CHNADKS) with a rechargeable battery, allowing for real-time detection of nuclear radiation levels.

During the testing process, it was found that the procedure was very smooth, except for the detection delay phenomenon of the nuclear radiation sensor, the Geiger counter, resulting in unclear results. Additionally, the detection results displayed specific nuclear radiation values, which could hinder user understanding and pose ethical risks. This also indicates that adjustments to the UI design are needed, including the addition of a waiting screen and clear safety/attention conclusions.

UI Design

Based on the conclusions drawn from research and testing, a series of interfaces were designed, including power on/off, main interface, positioning, details, suggestions, records, and standby state. These interfaces meet the users’ pain points and are designed to be soft yet professional, alleviating users’ anxiety while demonstrating professionalism.

Final Product Design

RADSAFER detects the nuclear radiation content of food using GM sensors and provides results that show whether it is safe, giving users the opportunity to replace contaminated food and have more confidence in their family’s health. The product’s appearance design and parts selection, tested multiple times, make it comfortable to hold and allow for a quicker and simpler replacement process. Users can view recent food data through records and receive activity suggestions and guidance, making life scenarios easier and more positive. In the future, it will incorporate community heat maps, providing a platform for users to upload the nuclear radiation situation in their area, enhancing communication and understanding of concern across regions.