7A- Testing the hypothesis

Opportunity: Making different sized/customizable face masks

The Who/Why/What: Making different sized/customizable face masks for people of all ages who prefer to have a mask that is unique and also helps them stay safe from the corona virus (germs in the air).

·       The who: People of all ages who prefer to have a mask that is unique

·       The what: Face masks to protect mouth and nose

·       The why: Helps them stay safe from the corona virus, while feeling more comfortable

Hypothesis:

·       Testing the who: I have included people of all ages, due to the pandemic that can affect everyone.

·       Testing the what: The materials and what is best to stop the germs from the air to getting to your mouth/nose through the mask (i.e cloth or with an air filter)

·       Testing the why: Most people are abiding by the boundaries set in place to avoid getting the virus. The masks reduce the risk by a large quantity which is why it is sold and used. This is an opportunity for all the people who have respiratory problems, and/or just want to be extra careful. This has also become a requirement in many public places.

Interviews:

1. I interviewed a 55-year-old man with no respiratory problems, and he said he would buy a customizable mask depending on the price. He also added that cloth is not the best option because of the germs being able to get through.

2. I interviewed a mother or two children (aged 5 and 8), and she said she would definitely invest in these customizable masks for her kids. She said its hard for them to wear masks sometimes and thinks this would help. She also added that it would be smart to have a small air filter instead of cloth masks, but maybe something that was washable as well.

3. I interviewed a peer, 18 years old, and she said that it would depend on the cost and the materials. If it was comfortable and easy to use, she would buy it and wear it more often due to it being customizable.

4. I interviewed a child, 6 years old, she said she would really like if her mask was pink and had stars on it. She also told me that her mask at home was white and boring and she didn’t really lie wearing it because she can’t breathe as much.

5. I interviewed my parents and their input was also valuable, they also steered me away from cloth like materials because they are not the safest and that and air filter would be best. They said that depending on the material bought, the price would need to be adjusted so that I need to think about a good target price for it to attainable for others.

Summary: After my interviews, it is clear that I would have to do more research on a better-quality material than cloth for these masks. I would also have to see how many designs I can pick from to have a price that is fair for customers. This has changed my outlook on making the masks. It is still an attainable opportunity, but I have to be aware of the other variables that are seen when making them.