AIR2GETHER

Problem

Air2Gether is committed to addressing the threat of second-hand smoke to public health, especially the passive exposure of pregnant women, children and people with allergies due to a lack of environmental information.

Method

We have designed a smoke-free environment system that combines user feedback with sensor data. The APP generates second-hand smoke maps in real time, supports upload and smoke-free route planning, and helps users reduce exposure.

Outcome and Validation

The final outcome provides users with intuitive smoking risk information and smoke-free route support, and also offers a reference for urban space management. User tests have shown that it has received positive feedback in terms of information transparency and enhanced sense of security, especially for sensitive groups.

Methods and Tools

The methods adopted in the project include user research, Persona construction, user journey mapping, value analysis highlights, Design Scenarios & user segments analysis, design scenario construction, prototype design and testing. The main tools include Figma, Miro and Illustrator.

Background & Problem

Second-hand smoke exposure remains inevitable in daily urban life due to weak enforcement and lack of smoke-free information, highlighting the urgent need for user-centered intelligent solutions.

The Problem

The problem of second-hand smoke exposure is still widespread in urban public spaces. Despite the continuous advancement of smoking ban regulations, insufficient enforcement has led non-smokers to often be forced to inhale second-hand smoke during their daily travels, leisure activities, and waiting times.

Key Impacts

Wide Influence

Affects public health and environmental quality.

Serious Harm

Induces cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and cancer.

Sensitive Groups

Pregnant women, children, and those with allergies.

Not Yet Resolved

Difficult to implement policy; hard to avoid in daily life.

How much second-hand smoke does an ordinary person inhale?

10.0

13.0

21.0

5.0

22.0

28.0

Daily Average 16.5 people

Where are people exposed?

44%

The entrance of
a restaurant

Downstairs of
residential area

Underground
parking

Near the
subway station

Random road

User Research: Persona & Interview

"As soon as I smell the smoke, I feel dizzy and nauseous. I immediately want to leave that place."

"Although many places have 'No Smoking' signs, people ignore it, feeling impossible to avoid."

Ms. Lin

30 years old · Marketing

Pregnant woman

Pain Point: Sensitive to smoke; encounter smokers when dining/shopping.

Motivation: Avoid second-hand smoke and seek healthier public spaces.

"The child starts coughing non-stop as soon as he smokes. It's heart-wrenching to see."

"Parks have smoke-free zones, but almost no one adheres to them."

Wang Lei

36 years old · Teacher

Father of child with asthma

Pain Point: Child allergic to smoke; impossible to completely avoid in parks.

Motivation: Clear prompts to prevent children from being exposed.

"Every day... the smoke I inhale makes me feel very uncomfortable breathing."

"Boundaries between smoking/non-smoking areas are blurred, making it impossible to avoid."

Anna

27 years old · PM

Long commuting time

Pain Point: Pass by subway entrances with strong smell; clothes get stained.

Motivation: Fresher commuting environment; reduce daily annoyance.

User Journey Map

Pain Points

Lack of information is
hard to avoid

Sensitive groups are
severely affected

Health and emotional
distress

Design Process

Value Analysis Highlights

Crazy 8s (Ideation)

01 Smoke-Sensing Light

A smart light for homes or public spaces detects smoke in the air in real time and alerts nearby people via light or sound.

02 Smoke Alert Wristband

Wristband detects smoke, vibrates to alert smokers of nearby people and prompt them to move away or quit.

03 Smoke Feedback System

App shows citywide 2nd-hand smoke levels to help users assess risks and choose healthier routes/destinations.

04 AR Navigation

AR glasses superimpose low-smoke route navigation to help users avoid smoke areas ahead in real time.

05 Artistic Installation

Public space interactive installation shows 2nd-hand smoke's impact to raise public awareness.

06 Smart Anti-Smoke Mask

Filtration & air-monitoring masks actively purify airborne smoke particles for fresh breathing.

07 Interactive Game

Through interactive games, players can learn about the harm of second-hand smoke in an easy way.

08 Advertisement

Raise people's sense of responsibility to 'protect others from second-hand smoke' through advertisements.

Design Scenarios & User Segments Analysis

Storyboard & Selection

Smoke Alert Wristband

Smoke Feedback System

AR Smokeless Route Navigation

"Although all three solutions help avoid second-hand smoke, users agree that the map-detection App best fits daily use and suggest adding route navigation to further increase its value."

Conclusion

Therefore, the final design direction is:

Air2Gether — Second-hand Smoke Map & Low-Smoke Route Navigation App

By visualizing urban smoke levels, providing real-time risk analysis, and offering personalized low-smoke routes, it enables users to assess risks in advance or during travel and proactively avoid high second-hand-smoke areas, making "avoiding second-hand smoke" planned and controllable.