The first version of the device was built while Grothaus was completing her master’s degree at the University of California, San Diego. A small sensor at the back pulls in air and measures two harmful particles – fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon, a form of soot. The readings are then shown on the front of the wearable as coloured light that follows the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index: green for good, then yellow, orange, red, purple and brown as conditions worsen.

To make the gadget useful for everyday life, Grothaus held design workshops with people living between Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop airport and the busy Gardiner Expressway. Workshop participants asked for a light, friendly look, so she reshaped the device into a soft, cloud‑like form that can be worn on the body.

She now plans a two‑week real‑world pilot, inviting more community members to try the cloud‑shaped AirWear before the end of the year. The trial will collect data on how the device works in daily environments and how people respond to the colour alerts.

AirWear turns invisible pollution into a visual cue, helping wearers notice dangerous air quality that would otherwise go unnoticed. By combining scientific sensors with artistic design and community feedback, the project shows how creative solutions can address public‑health challenges.