Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System for Homes Using Solid Fuels: A Universal Design Approach Integrating Sensor Network with Human Computer Interaction

Abstract

The Universal Design (UD) approach to develop technology to combat the effects of Indoor air pollution (IAP), as a result of burning solid fuels or biomass in this project, required a wide range detection of pollutants, Inclusive design and Accessibility. These important aspects and system features are well espoused and implement in the design of the system (prototype named COZiN) in a tantalizing effort to solve a global problem affecting people in homes that use such fuels for sustenance. A substantial literature study examines the many different approaches dealing with indoor air pollution with-respect-to research, development and technology. The project aims to design an indoor air quality monitoring system, a network of sensor nodes that collaboratively check the indoor air quality (IAQ) and notify users by means of a tri-colour coded warning if there is a risk of pollution or a change in the air quality. Of the many system features discussed, the most important are the Auditory, Tactile and Visual feedback notifications. The integration of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), a special feature (concept) specifically designed to prevent child exposure to IAP for increase accessibility, are a few innovative aspects of the system. After sufficiently describing the project while carefully stating the problem, research questions and the aim and objectives of the project make clear the tedium inherent. Quantitative data generated from laboratory experiments and measurements, qualitative data from World Health Organisation (WHO) and data from user analyses, testing and interviews carried out in Mozambique, converge in a mixed research Method seeking solutions. The system prototype was developed and tested by potential users. The results of the field study indicated potential users were interested and there is a need for such a system, while the laboratory testing proved the concept of UD and HCI render the system accessible. Personas are used to show the accessibility and usability of the system among users with a disability. To successfully carry out the project to a reasonable conclusion and timely completion, the research development would follow a plan detailed on Gantt chart that shows the steps from design, development and prototyping to the final documentation.