High Altitude Mountaineer Toilet
(HAMT)
Innovation solving human waste problems on mountains
Timeframe: 11wk
wk 1-3: problem finding, user research
wk 4-5: insight building + user studies + sketches + prototyping
wk5-8: prototyping (medium fidelity mockup) + product testing
wk 9-10: prototype refinement
wk 11: high-end mockup + video production#problem identification #proof of concept
#user testing #design for manufacturing #CAPSTONE
It's common sense to leave no trace behind on our mountains.
However, on Mt. Everest alone, 26,000 lbs of human waste accumulate annually.
However, Current Solutions are Not Sufficient
Current solutions are:
1. Waste Alleviating Gel (WAG) bag
2. Clean mountain can (CMC)
WAG Bag is Not Perfect
1. Difficult to find the right position
2. Body shakes when squatting while holding the bag
3. Aim becomes very difficult
4. The bag has no dedicated space for storage
CMC is Not Perfect
1. Cumbersome appearance, size, and weight
2. Unpleasant single large-volume liner bag
3. Not widely available in outdoor retail
Missing market for a specialized high altitude mountaineering toilet that extends superior comfort
Exploring the Environment
Due to the harsh terrain and climate, the mountaineers would have to use the toilet either inside or near their tent.
Biological urgency, tight space, and fatigue yielded very uncomfortable experience.
Solutions for the Environment
Based on the findings, I sketched out initial ideas around comfort and safety involving:
1. Stability assist
2. Wind resistant shelter
3. Dedicated container for used WAG bags
After 3 users tested both concepts, concept 2 was chosen.
Despite the slightly longer use time, users preferred the following:
1. Rugged, stable seat
2. Streamline "prep-use-finish" flow
Then, I then proceeded with advanced iterations of concept 2 to fulfill these detailed requirements.
Testing Features and Improvements
Refined Deploy-to-Use
Refined Collect-to-Pack
Modular Design with Proprietary WAG Bag & Dry Bag
The dry bag has been fabricated with durable 200D PU coated Ripstop nylon material.
Design that Extends Comfort
Final CMF was inspired by outdoor vehicles and gears that extend comfort in arduous natures. The prototype seat models, simulating injection molded and over molded high density ethelyne (HDPE), yield robust yet smooth appearance and feel. It also communicates a clear direction of the fold. The final bag prototype, fabricated using 200D PU coated diamond ripstop nylon, offers durability and modularity.
Inspiration
On the right are the examples of trend leading outdoor vehicles and gears that extend comfort in arduous natures. Additionally, I brought organic and natural elements from Nepal's wildlife and nature.
Final Form: "Lobster Tail" Design
As this product is meant to be rugged yet flexible, it was quite the challenge to find well balanced "lobster tail" design. Since comfort and discrete were key, the final design combined the forms of the body armor of a rhinoceros and juggernaut with simple line patterns found on off-road vehicle body panels. Satin finish was selected chosen for understated yet premium outdoor gear appearance.
