Shaving whilst the water is running can prove a difficult task. Precariously balancing one leg, while attempting to avoid the showerhead’s oncoming spray never seems to work well as well in reality as it may in theory. Thus, the running water is a nuisance. The same is true when shampooing and conditioning. And so, there actually are times when saving water can be done without sacrifice. The OLI Shower Water Conservation Project capitalizes on this fact through their introduction of a line of concept products that help to conserve water with minimal effort from its users.

The OLI Shower Water Conservation Project.

OLI offers three options, which are designed to be used in combination for maximum effectiveness. First, by intuitively ‘turning off’ the water when you aren’t using or needing it. Second, by finding a purpose for the water that you do use. And lastly through guilt, making you painfully aware of the quantity of water you consumed in your very relaxing shower.

The Reduce-Your-Use non-slip, pressure-sensitive mat turns the water on as you stand near the shower head, and off as you move away. Refresh-N-Remind shower monitor with an easily adjustable water spray, and ambient lighting that communicates water consumption and encourages conservation. So, at the end of your shower, it will read something along the lines of “30 gallons, 10 minutes) Relax-N-Reuse is a shower seat (for shaving perhaps) that collects grey water into transportable containers for reuse (watering plants or cleaning).

The OLI Shower Water Conservation Project was a finalist for the INDEX: AIGA Aspen Design Challenge.

Designers: Raymond Bessemer, California State University, Long Beach; Sergio Coronado, Purdue University; Franklin Crosby, Metropolitan State College of Denver; Nallieli Santamaraia, New York University; Brad Smith, University of Cincinnati; Sean Whang, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena