PureAura: Portable Mini Energy-saving Air Purifier for space-constrained living

In January 2018, students from the Service Learning course PSY3103 Psychology of Human Performance and Technology had the opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by residents of sub-divided units in Sham Shui Po. The students identified poor air quality as a critical issue faced by the residents, affecting their quality of life. By applying design thinking, academic knowledge, and basic technology, the students came up with the idea of a low-cost air purifier, taking into consideration financial and space constraints faced by the target users. Prototypes were then developed and tested for effectiveness.

By 2022, with the support of Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI), the working product was mass produced and 1,000 units were distributed to occupants of sub-divided units in Sham Shui Po. It was a proud moment for everyone involved as the project proved that ideas from a service learning workshop by liberal arts students could effect change to some of the poorest living conditions in Hong Kong. The project continued with data collection of air quality to examine the effectiveness of the air purifier. A third phase also commenced in 2023, with an improved product design and plans to distribute more units to other districts in Hong Kong.

The humanitarian technology invention has received acknowledgement for its design and contribution to the society,  including receiving the Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.