Izzy Rae

Industrial Design, 2021

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the leading global risk for death according to the World Health Organization. Poor blood pressure management and monitoring is a result of many factors including accessibility issues within healthcare systems. Additionally, there are usability concerns with current measurement tools and educational gaps within blood pressure literacy. In combination, these factors make blood pressure management unapproachable and inaccessible.

To combat these issues, this project was developed through a public health lens, intended to be an engaging and educational way to measure blood pressure. Utilizing emerging technology, Obi can detect blood pressure through a thirty-second facial scan. In order to reach a variety of people, this device is intended to be used in public spaces, free of cost. Obi’s purpose is to serve as an inviting public health tool that encourages people to be proactive about their heart health.

Izzy Rea is an industrial design and public affairs double major, who values the potential of intersecting design and policy. She is passionate about using design research and methodologies to generate products, services and ideas that address wicked problems in the public sector. Izzy is looking forward to finishing her last semester and eager to immerse herself in the policy design field.

See her other work at here