Leaping the Safe Distance

The pandemic, lockdown and physical distancing has changed our lives and the way we interact with people, objects and the environment around us.

Moreover, people, objects and the environment of yesterday may need a tweak to be relevant today. TinkerLabs is taking some Creative Leaps as an effort to fill that gap with frugal interventions. It is our attempt to use everyday objects to work around the everyday problems we face.

The Problem

WHO has advised people to maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance amongst themselves to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, as humans who are not all in the profession of measuring textile or wire, we find it difficult to approximate distance.

The common tools of measurement we have grown up with are our body parts, for instance 1 metre would be equivalent to one arm distance from the nose to the tip of the finger. As you rightly guessed, using your arm to measure distance would be to poke into unsafe territory.

From China to the rest of the world, including in India, people have begun marking the prescribed safe distance in space using chalk, tape and other indicators.

Chennai uses markers on the streets to indicate safe distance

TinkerLabs applauds these innovative frugal interventions in public spaces.

To take them a step further, we wondered if there could be a way for users to practice safe distance on their own.

Illustration by Urvi Bidasaria

Our team went around our own houses, finding everyday objects that could be used to measure a one metre distance. From selfie sticks to walking sticks, we went through it all.

And then, bringing out the Mumbaikar from within, we stumbled across our companion for the monsoons- the umbrella!

Urvi tested the concept by using an umbrella to measure the distance it provides

With the rains around the corner, the umbrella that already serves as both a canopy and a walking distance could now extend its usage to measuring safe distance. Not only is it a good tool to measure the distance, it also helps one restrict others to intervene in her/his personal space.

UPDATE:

Kerala is leading the battle against COVID-19 with yet another intervention- using the umbrella.

People of Alappuzha using umbrellas to maintain physical distance

We congratulate the people of Alappuzha for this innovative step and celebrate its implementation.

Let us know of any other way that comes to your mind to measure safe distance in these times. Stay tuned to take creative leaps with us!

Authors:

Meru Vashisht, Design Researcher & Social Impact Catalyst at TinkerLabs and Urvi Bidasaria, Design Researcher & Visual Designer at TinkerLabs