NAMIK

What it does

This project reimagines PPE for first responders in post-hurricane environments. The drysuit combines waterproof protection with pleating, breathable materials and moisture management inspired by the Namib Desert beetle, developed with Water Rescue input.

Your inspiration

I was considering buying a Gore-Tex jacket, so I researched how it works and found that moisture transfer relies on moving from a high to a low moisture area. In humid or rainy conditions, inside and outside moisture levels equalize, so Gore-Tex and similar fabrics don’t work as well as expected. This made me want to design a system, without electronics, that performs better in high humidity. My aim was to solve this limitation and improve comfort and protection while also helping in critical situations affecting our world today, like hurricanes.

How it works

My suit uses a layered system inspired by the Namib Desert beetle. On the outside, there is an abrasion-resistant fabric. Behind it is a beetle-inspired layer that pulls moisture from inside the suit because it is hydrophilic but then repels it with its hydrophobic surface, helping move moisture out. Next is a spacer fabric layer that creates an air gap between the beetle fabric and an inner breathable membrane. This air gap lets moisture pass through without blocking movement and helps the suit fit the body well. The inner membrane works like Gore-Tex, allowing sweat to move out but blocking water from coming back in. The moisture pulled by the beetle layer drains out the back through silicone duckbill valves, which let low-pressure water out but stop high-pressure water from getting in. Pleating at joints allows the fabric to expand for better movement without adding bulk, keeping the user dry and mobile in harsh conditions.

Design process

My design process began with research during Hurricane Milton, which highlighted the need for better equipment for hurricanes and floods. Firefighters often respond to these events, so I contacted my local fire department, toured their station, and identified issues with existing dry suits. These suits protect against contaminated water but can become inefficient due to moisture build-up inside. After watching a TED Talk on the Namib Desert beetle, which collects moisture from the air, I developed the idea to integrate a similar concept into a dry suit to remove internal moisture and prevent external contamination. Without access to the beetle-inspired fabric, I simulated the effect using a sponge with similar absorption and repelling properties, then tested this to confirm feasibility. I collaborated with the local water rescue team to refine the suit’s fit, mobility, and familiar appearance. Prototypes 5 and 6 included pleating in specific areas to increase mobility without extra bulk. User testing showed the new design performed better than current suits in fit, movement, and functionality.

How it is different

What makes my design unique is that it directly addresses two major issues with current drysuits: poor fit and ineffective sweat management in high-moisture conditions. Unlike existing suits, which are typically oversized and create drag in the water, my suit uses strategically placed pleating in key movement areas. This means it fits the body properly while still allowing full mobility, reducing resistance in the water. In addition, while most drysuits rely on single-layer breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex that can fail in humid environments, my suit features an innovative multi-layer sweat management system inspired by the Namib Desert beetle. It creates a low-moisture zone inside the suit, isolating it from external humidity and enabling continuous moisture transfer. This keeps first responders dry, comfortable, and more efficient during demanding post-hurricane rescues.

Future plans

My future plans for this project are to continue testing and improving the efficiency of the sweat management system, refining it for production. I also plan to work with material technologists to finalize the technical details. Once the design is fully developed, I hope to secure investors to help bring this suit to market, so it can get into the hands of first responders and improve their comfort, mobility, and sweat management when responding to hurricanes.

Awards

This project won 2nd place in the ACIDO Rocket competition! ACIDO (Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario) is Canada’s Ontario branch for industrial designers. Rocket showcases top projects from students at Ontario’s four industrial design post-secondary schools to industry professionals.