Smartline Research
Then Try This
How can sensor data and visualisation software be used to test and measure air pollution in Cornwall?
Then Try This is a non-profit research organisation who design and make bespoke hardware and software to encourage equitable access to knowledge. Using Smartline funding they have been developing new air pollution sensors to help people measure air pollution on the streets.
“This is the first project where we explored areas of public health and messaging. Exposure to researchers at Exeter meant that we could work in this area with more confidence. Close cooperation with Cornwall Council was also hugely important, both in terms of making sure what we were doing fit in with their existing work, but also important practical details from the perspective of local government. ”
The background
Poor air quality is an increasing global concern and has significant health impacts. To monitor air quality effectively, we need air pollution sensors that collect reliable data.
The team decided to develop their own low-cost, portable device to allow users to collect reliable air quality data. They also investigated ways to visualise air pollution to help people see live pollution levels in situ.
“The funding has given us time out from delivering commissioned projects,
allowing us the freedom to pursue our ideas. We have also been able to provide a fruitful placement for a PhD student during the pandemic, and have now been able to apply for a grant to employ him to carry out a six month project developing our work further on air pollution sensing, increasing our long term viability.”
The opportunity
Following on from previous environmental sensing Then Try This had carried out on the Sonic Kayak project, there was an interest from local community groups for measuring the levels of air pollution, for example before and after installing new cycle lanes in Cornwall. This made it clear it could be important to develop this technology, and they successfully applied for our In Residence Scheme.
The project kicked off with a workshop to co-design a new solution with environmental consultants, community groups and public health specialists at Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter. Our researchers also helped to investigate ideas and effective ways to communicate with end users.
Next, Then Try This developed and trialled a new sensor box prototype designed for outside use, using two different sensors (particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) to detect air pollution.
The team explore how to visualise good, medium and bad air quality readings.
The prototype also tested using a smiley, flat and unhappy face as a very simple display option.
This process involved trialling different types of LED and digital displays to ensure the pollution data is easy for users to interpret. The team did some research on similar successful projects around the world.
What’s next?
So far, the technology is ideal for static use. For example, you can attach the sensor boxes to lampposts or railings alongside the road to take pollution readings. After meeting with Cornwall Council and community groups the team found there was an interest in potentially having sensor boxes freely available for communities to test the levels of pollution so they can provide evidence for their policymakers to be able to make bold decisions.
“We shared evidence-led research about persuasive health messaging to help Then Try This plan how to successfully communicate with end users. Evidence suggests that individualised messaging works well, and that we rely heavily on mental shortcuts, like using a trusted source or thinking about our last experience with something. The key is to persuade someone to make a plan to change behaviour, in view of a potential barrier, in order to change their confidence levels so they know they can successfully make a change.”
These community insights are inspiring Then Try This to continue developing the technology to make it suitable for different situations. Here are a few examples:
Monitoring pollution levels near the roadside children's play area in Penryn.
Monitoring air pollution before and after cycle lane trials.
Displaying air pollution outside schools to try to encourage people to walk/cycle.
Displaying air pollution rates to try to stop people idling their engines.
Who is involved?
Dr Amber Griffiths and Dave Griffiths from Then Try This and Emma Seymour, Dr Lewis Elliot, Dr Tamaryn Menneer and Dr Richard Woods from the University of Exeter, and Dr Richard Sharpe from Cornwall Council.