BACKGROUND : In the summer of 2025, I was ready to take up another project as challenge. Out of wide spectrum of options, I wanted to work with Harvard/MIT labs. So, I reached out to people after researching what projects are going on the labs. Thus, I landed at Aizenberg Lab @ Harvard University. 

PROJECT :  Humans have surpassed almost all their senses in developing it’s respective alternative. As in We have far better camera than human eyes, sound sensing devices which can detect outside spectrum of human sensation, etc. But, when it comes to olfactory sense, we are still way behind to match the nature. Single nose can differentiate between thousands of diverse fragrance while there is no single sensor which can do this. In nature, not just humans, but animals like dog, who are good sniffer, they have patterns in sniffing. So, this way, Aizenberg lab is developing a Volatile Organic Sensing (VOC) Device “SNIFFIA”. In words of Project Lead Haritosh Patel, ‘ we are not developing new sensor to sense new VOC, we are developing the way we sense or say Sniff.’    

ROLE :  My role was divided into two phases. First, to come up with design options for VOC device’s enclosure. Secondly, to develop a web application where user can track and visualize VOC agents and data in his/her house.  

ACTION : I started with research on AQI devices, their designs, cost, durability, etc. Came up with two preliminary options, presented to cross functional teams and after inputs, moved forward the design finalized by everyone. Than refined the design, CADing it, keeping in mind Aesthetics, Safety, Durability, Accessibility and Cost. After Design freeze, prototyped it.

For the web application, Almost same working methodology, research of available options on market, reviewing their UI/UX, how can create something different.