EcoLung

Speculative Design • Team of 3

A speculative wearable that explores how humans might coexist with genetically modified algae to supplement breathing in increasingly polluted environments.

Role: Interaction Designer

Timeline: Spring 26 (10 weeks)

Tools: User research, interviews, wireframing, Figma, prototyping

Context: Academic project

Deliverables: Wearable concept, speculative system, prototype, material experiments

The Problem

Designing for a Future of Poor Air Quality

Air pollution continues to impact respiratory health around the world. Rather than designing another air filter, EcoLung explores a speculative future where humans adapt by forming a symbiotic relationship with genetically modified algae

The Goal

EcoLung is a wearable that mediates between humans and algae to enable symbiotic photosynthesis reactions.

What does it mean to not just use nature, but to live with it, depend on it, and evolve alongside it?

Mammal-Extremophile bacteria interactions

The relationship between Rumen Microbes in a cow’s stomach and the cow itself is a symbiotic process

Speculative biomaterial projects

The 79th Organ: How humans might adapt to consequences of growing pollution

Research & Inspiration

Algae bioreactors

Reactors made to optimize algal growth for harvesting. Used for food, biofuel, research.

System Design

Genetically Modified Algae
↓
Wearable EcoLung
↓
Photosynthesis
↓
Oxygen Production
↓
User
↓
Community Charging Stations

User Scenario/Storyboard

Material Exploration/Lab

Algae Cultivation

Materials 

  • Chlorella Algae Sample

  • 1L Glass jar

  • Water 

  • Algae Medium Concentrate (nutrients) 

Testing

  • Placed in different locations to monitor sun exposure 

    • Sunlight from window

    • Under a 24 hour plant light 

    • Most growth under 24 hour light

  • Experimentation with Aeration 

    • Algae needs aeration in order to grow and not settle at the bottom of the jar

    • Circulating nutrients and oxygenating water

Algae Charging

Day 21

Day 1

Iteration

Iteration 1

  • Arm band with breathing tube 

  • Made with cardboard and painted cotton swabs as algae

Final Design

Final Prototype:

  • Features bioplastic pouches that contour to the human body, allowing the wearable to move naturally with the user.

  • The lung-inspired form reinforces EcoLung's role as a speculative respiratory companion

EcoLung challenged me to think beyond designing a single product and instead envision an interconnected ecosystem of wearable technology, public infrastructure, and living organisms.

By combining scientific research with speculative design, I learned how emerging technologies can inspire meaningful conversations about our relationship with the natural world.

This project strengthened my ability to translate complex research into a cohesive user experience while balancing functionality, storytelling, and future-oriented thinking.

Iteration 2

  • Smaller armband made with biomaterials

  • Increased surface area - grooves where algae grows on

  • Experimentation with algae growth

  • 3D printed parts for stability and form

Vision for the future of EcoLung

Reflection

At Home

  • EcoLung placed into home charging station- replenish nutrients

Outdoors

  • Moving freely Through the City, engage in every-day activities

  • Everyone wearing variations of EcoLung

Community Charger

  • Public station with large glowing algae tank

  • Sense of community 

  • Algae in the tank is refreshed, partially exchanged, and rebalanced

Routine

  • Continuous coexistence with algae

Bioplastic

Materials

Water 300mL
Glycerin 3–5mL
Agar 6g

Uses

  • Plastic sheets for algae container pouches

  • Grooved sheets for algae

  • Breathing tubes

Waterproof testing: seal is weak but water resistant for couple of hours

Final Concept

  • Tubes allow movement/aeration and oxygen flow

  • Opening ports for charging stations where nutrients are supplied and algae is replaced through

Additional Materials

3D printing was a mix of open source (shown here) and self-made designs. 

Future implementations will be completed with NonOilen, a fully biodegradable filament

How Community Charging Stations are sustained

Community Algae Farm
↓
Algae Harvested
↓
Community Charging Station
↓
Users Replenish EcoLung

As air quality worsens, we will need more and more Eco Lungs to supplement our breathing. 

Without remediation, we will become unrecognizable.