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HygiHandle

2020

Design can save lives.

COVID-19 changed the world overnight, transforming everyday objects into potential health hazards. One superspreading incident after another led Winston Alford-Hamburg to ask, "What can design do to help?" It’s not just large gatherings causing concern; even something as simple as touching a door handle can pose a risk. This realization sparked a mission: to design a self-sterilizing door handle that makes daily life safer. Enter HygiHandle.

Harness the power of UVC light.

Research revealed just how easily germs spread. A study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute found over 1,300 bacterial colonies on campus door handles, with 86 out of 1,060 people touching their faces afterward. COVID-19 itself can linger on stainless steel for up to 48 hours. Yet hope emerged from a study by Columbia University, which showed that far-UVC light can kill 99.9% of exposed viruses with minimal exposure. Inspired by this technology, Winston designed HygiHandle, a door handle that self-sterilizes after every use, harnessing UVC light to prevent the spread of germs.

Keep handles where they belong.

Automatic doors may solve the touch problem, but they aren’t suited for every situation. Patient rooms, bathrooms, and fire-rated doors in commercial spaces require physical handles for accessibility and safety. This challenge drove Winston to create HygiHandle, a design that combines hygiene with the necessity of traditional handles.

Upgrade doors with comfort.

HygiHandle is a telescoping, sensor-activated door handle that keeps germs at bay. When someone approaches, a motion sensor retracts the cover panel to reveal the handle, which extends on a pneumatic telescoping shaft. After use, the handle retracts, the cover closes, and UVC light floods the internal chamber to sterilize it. Beyond hygiene, HygiHandle is ergonomically designed to ensure a natural grip, press, and release. It fits seamlessly into a standard 2-inch-thick door and includes a secondary safety release for emergencies, mirroring the functionality of motorized sliding doors.

Design with intention.

HygiHandle is a practical solution to a global problem, blending innovative technology with everyday function. By merging hygiene with comfort, Winston proves that design can do more than create beautiful spaces—it can save lives.