Open AccessCo-Design of Do-It-Yourself Face Shield in Japan Under COVID-19 Pandemic
Author(s) -
Kazutoshi Tsuda,
Mariko Sakuragi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
strategic design research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.24
H-Index - 3
ISSN - 1984-2988
DOI - 10.4013/sdrj.2020.133.16
Subject(s) - face shield , grassroots , covid-19 , face (sociological concept) , computer science , shield , engineering , health care , political science , sociology , geology , medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , petrology , social science , disease , pathology , politics
Along with the spread of open design environments and various types of digital fabrication tools (e.g., computer numerical control machines, laser cutting devices, and 3D printers), the "maker movement" or "personal fabrication" has been spreading worldwide over the past decade. This case study introduces grassroots activities in Japan that are employing personal fabrication tools to manage the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on the co-design of do-it-yourself face shields for healthcare workers. We address various issues emerging from the activities of face shield production: (1) development of face shield designs and materials, (2) examination and information sharing regarding the practicality and safety of open-source designs, and (3) collaboration with local factories. Thus, we demonstrate the significance of maker contributions to COVID-19, and provide suggestions for challenges in the future.