This November, Industrial Design student Michael Duda will have the rare opportunity to see his product design put to the test. It's an extraordinary design for extraordinary measures.

Expedition leader Will Cross will travel across the Antarctic continent, from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. Cross is a diabetic himself and the 730-mile trek, The Novolog Ultimate Walk to Cure Diabetes, will raise funds and awareness for juvenile diabetes. Cross will travel wearing Michael Duda's creation, The Insulinator, to protect his insulin from freezing on the journey.

 

Michael originally chose to study Industrial Design at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh because it is one of few schools in the nation that offers an academic degree in Industrial Design with an emphasis in special effects. However, early in his academic pursuits, he became passionate about product design offered within the program. It was his hope that he could design new
products that could serve or influence people in a positive way.

"I am fortunate that I learned quickly that I wanted a creative career. In high school, I spent the day with an aeronautical engineer and it turned out to be a lot different that I imagined. I learned about the Art Institute at a career fair. It was a close friend of mine that was actually interested in attending, so I really came about the school by accident. Sometimes on the way to your dreams, you get lost and find a better one."

 

In the Industrial Design department, under the close supervision of faculty member and extreme design specialist Bill Farrell, Michael has worked on several exciting client-based projects, including an exhibit and Web design for the National Science Foundation and The Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica. He's studied all forms of three-dimensional problem solving, including toy design, exhibit design, product and packaging design, 3D computer modeling, and digital illustration.

"I am interested in devoting my career toward the creation of innovative design solutions that can actually help people. That's why when I was offered the opportunity to work on the Insulinator for Will Cross, I saw it as one of those rare chances to produce something real and meaningful.

Beginning in March 2002, Michael Duda immersed himself in an extensive research project and the production of the Insulinator became the subject of his graduate thesis. He interviewed scientists, physicians and thoroughly studied the properties of insulin and insulation. His research led him to Aspen Aerogels, Inc., where he found expert technical support and the generous donation of a rare material with the perfect specifications for his design.

 

"I am so excited for Will Cross to arrive in Antarctica. The Ultimate Walk for The Cure is such a rare and beautiful blend of human achievement....everyone involved in preparing Will for the expedition has made such a difference for the awareness of juvenile diabetes. It's like a big machine and everyone has built an important part of it. When will begins his expedition, we will all have the thrill of watching the gears work. That's the thrill of being a designer."

View an article by Byron Spice, Science Editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, at: http://www.post-gazette.com/healthscience/20021021antarcticmainsci2p2.asp

Pictured: Michael Duda and Will Cross

 

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