Summary Reader Respond Draft 1
Although this
facemask includes some valuable features such as an adjustable strap and transparent
body, the price is significantly on a higher scale for a facemask.
The common
facemask such as medical/surgical mask, comes in 2 sizes as the straps are not
adjustable. Hence, according to the article, Dean Ezekiel came up with a solution
by creating Helloface masks which has an additional feature that makes the
strap adjustable. Helloface mask has adjustable head & ear loop straps. This
makes the mask unique as compared to medical masks as it not only fits a wide range
of head shapes and sizes, it also provides users with hearing aids and glasses to
provide more comfort and flexibility while in use. The adjustable head straps
of the facemask also allow users to tighten or loosen the fit of the mask
according to their comfort and fit. This is a useful feature as users can no
longer worry about their mask being too loose.
Another distinct
feature Helloface possesses is that the facemask is see through, which enables its
users to read off the lips of others. “On average, one in five people in the UK
experience some kind of hearing loss, of which 151,000 people use British Sign
Language to communicate.” (n.d). This implies that there might be a communication
barrier among certain individuals with disabilities as wearing an opaque face
mask blocks all necessary visual cues needed to communicate. Helloface has a
few variants of facemask but all of it shares the same concept, which is being
able to communicate with other users through lip reading. The transparent body of
Dean’s facemask enables full facial recognition which allows communication
signals such as lip movement and facial expressions visible.
Despite all these features on how innovative and ease it provides to the user, it has its drawbacks-one of which relates to its inability to make it affordable for most individuals. According to indiegogo (n.d.), Helloface has 3 variants which sells by 5 pieces: Transparent Medical Face Mask, P3 mask with filters and P3 mask with filters + cases. The price of these variations are $23, $52 and $58 respectively. According to Pharmex Healthcare (2020), Medical/Surgical facemask is priced under $10. Although it does not have many properties and features as compared to Helloface mask, it is affordable for a large group of individuals in the market. Despite having all these features and good properties, the pricing of the product still holds as an issue towards individuals purchasing it.
In a nutshell, Helloface was inspired by the deaf and hearing impaired communities. It aims to provide transparent face masks to overcome the barriers caused by opaque masks for those who communicate through lip reading and facial recognition. The company's goal is to restore people's ability to interact and express themselves freely. “Our Transparent Medical Face Mask is CE Marked and successfully passed the appropriate tests (filtration, breathability, splash proof, non toxic, bio-compatible). The P3 Half Mask Respirator has also passed pre-compliance tests and will be CE Marked at the start of 2022.” (indiegogo, n.d). Although having great properties helps the community, lowering the price might attract more individuals.
Reference:
Innovative
face mask breaks inclusivity barriers. (2022, June 16).
https://www.herts.ac.uk/enterprise-zone/news-and-case-studies/case-studies/business-incubation/innovative-face-mask-breaks
inclusivity-barriers
Helloface: CE
Marked, Clear Face Masks (n.d.)
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/helloface-ce-marked-clear-face-masks#/
Pharmex
Healthcare, (2020)
https://www.medicalsupplies.com.sg/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/2467-assure-surgical-mask-3-ply-earloop-50-pcsbox
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