Design Engineering
Showcase 2020

Creating the face-scanning instructions was a very important aspect of my placement, because these instructions were to be viewed by every prospective participant in our study. I found that taking the scans outside in direct sunlight had far better results than under other lighting conditions. My work on the group’s Instagram had a modest but important role to spread awareness and respond to informal user queries. Furthermore, by responding to informal user queries, I made the Mensura Mask project seem more approachable and accessible to the prospective users.

One of the most interesting and purposeful projects I worked on this summer was analysing the accuracy of different scanning methods. These methods included a prediction of what a face looks like in 3D from a 2D image, the iPhone app Bellus 3D, and the Lightroom photogrammetry scan. In total, I analysed the error between 15 different masks and their ‘ground truth’ scans and generated 15 corresponding heat maps for results. These images were then used in an article that Shiya Li (the main PhD researcher) published in a 3D printing specialist journal. Helping Shiya publish that article as quickly as possible will ensure that Mensura Mask is seen as a pioneer in 3D printed custom fit mask technology, and will ensure that they will be in a good position to apply for a patent in the near future.

Once a great mask design was developed, I shifted my focus to creating equally effective and elegant straps. I wanted to ensure that the straps would not slip down the user’s head, and that they were easily adjustable for a snug but comfortable fit. The final design includes a non-slip silicone backed elastic and two toggles for adjusting the tightness. These straps will be used by future TV presenters and will hopefully be a memorable part of their experience with Mensura Mask.

As an undergraduate student with only three years of design engineering experience, I felt quite underqualified at the start of my placement. Indeed, every other member of the team was either a PhD student or a researcher. However, I quickly familiarised myself with the project and the different tasks that needed to be achieved, and in no time, I felt like a very useful part of the team. Being a part of Mensura Mask this summer meant that the team could be much more agile and could focus on the more difficult aspects of the problem, while I conducted some of the time-consuming analysis.

This placement was somewhat unorthodox as, like most people, I spent almost all of it working from home. The weekly or twice weekly team meetings helped in boosting morale and keeping all of us accountable with the project. I often had to present my findings over Teams, which was slightly different to presenting in person but was vital for keeping the whole team informed.

This placement was very rewarding because the work presented a very clear path to purpose. Interacting with prospective users through their emails and social media messages was a frequent reminder of why the work was so important. Doing a placement like this is great if you enjoy working in a team, having lots of free reign, and enjoy coding and CAD.