Birger Linke, the designer behind this revolutionary product, drew inspiration from the urgent need for effective and reusable masks during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mask's unique properties lie in the specially treated textile used, which inactivates and eliminates harmful pathogens, including Covid-19, upon contact.
The mask's packaging is as innovative as the product itself. Each mask comes in a sterile package, featuring an attached plastic strip that animates a virus being 'eaten' when slid up and down. This clever design element brings a touch of humor to these challenging times.
The mask's realization involved the use of Livinguard treated textile, styrofoam, and EVA. With dimensions of Width 220 x Depth 22 x Height 220, the mask is designed for everyday protection. To date, five million masks have been produced and are available worldwide.
The design process was not without its challenges. Finding the right materials and printing technology to create the animated virus on the packaging required precision and innovation. The team utilized a century-old technique, Moiré Animation, to create an optical illusion of animated frames, effectively bringing the virus-eliminating process to life.
To avoid cross-contamination among family members, the masks come with differently colored adjustment clips in a separate sleeve, allowing for customization. This thoughtful design element further enhances the product's practicality and user-friendliness.
In conclusion, Livinguard's virus-eliminating mask is a prime example of how design and innovation can come together to create solutions in challenging times. The mask's unique properties, combined with its clever packaging design, have rightfully earned it the Silver A' Design Award. The success of this product serves as a reminder of the power of design in improving lives and bringing about positive change.
Project Designers: Birger Linke
Image Credits: Photography: Chiara Ye Photography
Project Team Members: Birger Linke
Project Name: The Mask that Ate the Virus
Project Client: Birger Linke