NanoTech
Business Innovation
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The Client
Nanotechnology Victoria (NanoVic) is a company committed to the development and promotion of nanoscience in Victoria.
The Product
In 2008, NanoVic engaged Kennovations to generate concepts for fun, educational objects which both utilised and promoted the practical application of nanotechnology materials being used in manufacturing today. NanoVic decided on two concepts as their ‘mascots' - ‘Eddie the Echidna’ and ‘NanoMan’.
‘Eddie the Echidna’ features quills of NiTinol Shape Memory Alloy which react to specific environmental temperature changes. Below 15°C the quills can be laid flat or messed about in any position, but with the application of heat over 15°C they will instantly spring back into the spiked position. ‘NanoMan’ is a super-hero polyurethane key ring featuring a battery powered UV LED backpack and chest plate impregnated with UV reactive nano-polymers.
The Design Process
Kennovations was engaged by NanoVic to develop as many fun but feasible concepts as possible based on available nanotechnology materials such as Shape Memory Alloy, Poly Optic Fibre, Magnetic Ferro Fluid, Electric Glass, Nano Fibres and Nano Polymers. NanoVic provided Kennovations with a number of material samples for use for creative exploration. Following an exhaustive but fun concept exploration process, NanoVic selected two preferred concepts to be developed into fully functioning prototypes. Kennovations then set about sourcing required standard and nanotechnology materials, and producing fully functioning prototypes ‘in-house’ by sculpting the characters in wax and creating silicone moulds of the feature parts.
The Destination
NanoVic used both objects as part of their promotional stand at the 2008 BIO International Convention in the USA.
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