New York-based designer Joe Dowseth has developed a face shield that looks more like a fashion accessory than a personal protective equipment.
At its core, this shield is a transparent screen worn over specially designed sunglasses. From a medical point of view, it provides minimal protection, but is sufficient for most cases. In addition, such a shield is much more convenient for everyday wear, it does not pinch the face and does not make it difficult to breathe.
According to the designer, he developed this accessory as an answer to the question "How do we encourage the mass acceptance of an unwanted necessity?". He hopes this version could be a more attractive PPE option for users who are not healthcare professionals.
Until a vaccine for the virus is created, wearing masks and shields may become commonplace. So, in a recent interview with Dezeen, American physician and epidemiologist Michael Edmond said that people should wear personal protective equipment when they are out of the house. And the designer's creation is an attempt to create something that people will not resist, but will wear even with a kind of chic.
Dowseth's creation has so far only existed in virtual reality, the designer has created a "luxury" shield using programs such as Fusion 360 and Blender. According to him, now is not the time for photo shoots.
At the moment, the designer is looking for a company that would take on the production of such a shield. In this case, the product must be made of polycarbonate and no more difficult to manufacture than ordinary sunglasses.
