Pyro poncho
📍 Duration / Institution
Sep 2025, Make-a-thon, University of Pittsburgh
⭐Tags
Producti Design & Prototyping
Human Factors Engineering
Rapid Iteration
⭐ Situation + Task
The 36-hour Pitt Makerspace Make-a-thon offered three design tracks: enhancing education for disabled students in college, smart community, and disaster recovery/relief. Our four-person team chose the disaster recovery and relief track, narrowing the focus to personal-level protection in emergencies.
The task was to design and prototype a wearable safety solution that could provide mobility, protection, and visibility under hazardous conditions.
⚙️ Action
Designed a modular fire-proof poncho prototype that integrates multiple safety functions for individual use in disaster scenarios.
Created sketches and rapid prototypes using sewing machine for fabrics and soldering for electronic devices in the Pitt Makerspace to validate ergonomics and usability.
Added sewn-in mittens for secure grip and protection while navigating debris.
Incorporated a mask with a portable fan to support breathing in low-air-quality environments.
Built-in eye protection and LED lights to improve visibility and ensure users can both see and be seen in dark or dusty conditions.
📈 Result
Delivered a working prototype within 36 hours, demonstrating a multi-functional wearable that enhances personal safety and mobility in emergency conditions.
Awarded First Place in the Pitt Makerspace Make-a-thon, recognized for innovation, feasibility, and user-focused design.
