Stinky Outhouses

This blog follows my process as complete my senior research and development class. The focus of my final project is smelly outhouses.

Problem: High traffic public toilets are unpleasant to use when camping.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to research and develop a solution that improves the experience of using high traffic public toilets.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Survey Results are In + a prototype




I underwent a second survey process to help me narrow my problem even further. After reviewing the results from my first survey, I realized that the smell of toilets is not the only bothersome aspect of using one.

My second survey shows that both smell and hygiene, closely followed by a lack of supplies are the most concerning issues of using a high traffic public toilets. With this new information, I am continuing my focus on an outhouse kit-of sorts.

The first image above shows two spray bottles (for hand sanitizer and air neutralizer) and a play-doh container which could house a toilet paper roll or seat covers. The prototype has a lanyard type strap which allows it to be worn around the neck.

The second and third images are of a similar concept, however the toilet paper/seat covers are housed in the Altoids tin. This also has a neck strap.

I am aiming for something that can be worn for the short duration that the user is in the porta-potty. Another wearable option would be a loop for a carabiner.


Porta Potties at Lake Merced. The toilets were messy, but did have supplies--toilet paper and seat covers.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Design Inspiration







The companies, products, and organizations that I am using as inspiration for my final solution.

Method: Eco Friendly, attractive
Klean Kanteen: Minimal
Simple Human: Modular
Carabiner: Utilitarian
Leave No Trace: Responsible, Sustainable

Design Drivers

My solution is marketed toward the general outdoors enthusiast--campers, hikers, park goers. Considering the specific needs of this market, I am focusing on a product that is:

Lightweight
Portable
Extremely easy to use (considering the environment in which one would use it)
Sustainable (Not disposable. Refillable)
Modular (Maybe. I think it should have the ability to carry what you want or need.)
Attractive (of course)

An Outhouse Kit?

After completing my first round of surveys I've learned that most people are equally as concerned by germs, hygeine, and lack of supplies as they are with the smell of the outhouse. This greatly changes the scope of my study, but it will also help me achieve a more holistic solution.

The solution I am focusing on now is based on my second round of surveys. The second survey is helping me determine what supplies would be needed to improve the experience in a high traffic porta-potty, outhouse, or public toilet.

I am leaning toward some sort of a kit that would improve peoples visit to an outhouse. My research has determined that this is a valid problem area and there is nothing specifically like this currently in the market, with the exception of the separately sold items.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Breath Taker Mask

The Breath-Taker from Aaron on Vimeo.



This is a similar concept to what I have considered for my solution. This is basically a camouflage surgeon's mask.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Existing technology for a possible solution


Huge score today. I found existing technology that is used in underwear pads that eliminate flatulence odors. Yes, you are reading correctly, these are basically fart filters (the filter above is made by Flat-D). I found two such products in this category that are available for purchase online.
These filters could be used for a potential solution that I've thought about. Basically an outhouse mask of some sort that protects you from the outhouse odors. This filter technology is the most relevant I've found so far to incorporate into the mask. The last post contains some info on the technology used in these filters.