A result of Social Media Collaboration and Advanced Facilities
A movement of academics and FabLab (Laboratory Fabrication) in America through social media enlivened the virtual world during this pandemic with the hashtag #operationPPE (Operation Personal Protective Equipment) and inspired the Pelita Harapan University School of Design (SoD) to make PPE using prototyping technology. UPH SoD combined this idea with the sophistication of UPH's SoD facility in producing and providing free face shields to medical and non-medical personnel.
This movement is proof that collaboration between technology, humanism and social media can create something positive. Social media is not just a place to comment without direction, but is able to funnel ideas that can drive a real social movement.
This was recognized by Jacky Thiodore, S.Ars., M.Arch. - the coordinator of the Face Shield Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) movement, that the desire to contribute to meet the demands for PPE is the humanism underlying this movement. Of course the existence of facilities with qualified quantity and quality also plays a role in the smooth running of the movement. SoD UPH has 12 makers of 3D printing bots and welding machines, so that the process of making face shields can be done well. In addition, the information spread through social media has proven to be effective as can be seen from the enthusiasm it generated.
Jacky added that in the making of the APD Face Shield, SoD adopted 2 designs from Cornell University and Form-operation that was able to answer 2 product criteria that were intended to be comfortable and safe. Comfortable meant that the shield is not heavy and made in accordance with the anatomy of the face. Safe meant providing full cover of the face, durable and easy to clean. Producing the face shields is also evidence of scientific implementation in the design field, namely through the application of Rapid Prototyping Techniques.
Jacky admitted, the production of SoD's face shield itself has not been clinically tested nor has the application passed anti-infection requirements because such process takes time. However, the face shield material produced is a type of material that can be cleaned with alcohol. For use, Jacky recommends that the shield is cleaned regularly. According to Jacky, this face shield has already received positive feedback indicating that the shield produced by UPH has reliable material and quality to be used in an emergency.
Attempts to accommodate all incoming requests, SoD UPH already sent 180 face shields in the 1st week and provided free of charge to 2 Referral Hospitals, 8 regional Hospitals, clinics, as well as communities or individuals from several agencies. As of the 4th week, a total of 858 face shields was given to approximately 25 hospitals and health centers, as well as to individuals in need. Jacky also added that this free face shield APD project was fully funded by UPH SoD.
Responding to this Dr. Martin Luqman Katoppo, S.T., M.T. - UPH SoD Dean was grateful for this initiative and proved UPH's SoD commitment to apply design science as a solution to Community Service (PKM).
"This movement is a real contribution that UPD SoD can make in this pandemic situation, evidence from our key values to impact recovery, be a blessing and light for others, and work together to help the government deal with this situation," said Martin.
The current condition is a situation that makes living systems malfunctioning, so that the roles of various layers of society are needed to deal with this pandemic. For this reason, UPH has created positive initiatives that have emerged in the midst of the UPH community. Let's unite to bring creative solutions in the current pandemic situation.