From the beginning, Aman’s aim was always to create something with locally found materials.

Prior to Tanzania, Aman trialed many different methods to harvest condensation to form runoff to water crops passively but quickly learned the temperature at night does not drop enough to create the dew point for moisture to condense. Through this trial he turned to research found materials that could absorb moisture in the atmosphere and release that moisture when exposed to heat. Eventually leading him to charcoal for accessibility and its hygroscopic properties.

He stimulated tests with bags of charcoal at different thicknesses, size of pellets, and material of the bag. Then prototyped different mechanisms for the transition of the charcoal in its exposed and closed positions. The frame would slide up and down a glass basin with a rubber ring around the frame. After user testing, the form of the handle was finalized and it was time to bring the components together visually, a form that would seamlessly transition the system into the ground.

 “The design process is the most exciting part. Learning and exploring Tanzania made way for new ideas and inspired a lot of aspects that went into DewPointe,” Aman said. He drew inspiration directly from Tanzania – through clay making, textiles to insects.

• The Namib Beetle: Found in southwestern deserts in Africa and the Namib beetle harvests its own drinking water from moisture in the air. The beetle has bumps and grooves on its back that have different purposes. The bumps are hydrophilic and as water condenses on them, the droplets group up and runoff into the hydrophobic creases which are waxy and easily flow right into the beetle's mouth. The conical shape with micro grooves on DewPointe were inspired by the Namib beetle’s shape and survival.
• Breathable Fabric: Breathable fabric is an important aspect of this is how the charcoal is held and placed in and taken out of DewPointe. The fabric bag was locally made by the women in the community. A unique feature of the charcoal bag are the dimples to keep the bag thickness consistent at 1/2 an inch and so that all the pellets in the bag have an equal opportunity to be reached by the moisture in the atmosphere.
• Olla – Clay pot: An olla is a ceramic unglazed jar that could be used for the storage of water for purposes like irrigation. Olla irrigation is extremely water efficient and prevents excessive evaporation and water runoff. The olla clay pot promotes deep watering and dense root growth which encourages more efficient nutrient and water uptake.

Born in Maryland, U.S.A, and raised in Ottawa, Kaleb Aman is the second eldest of four. Growing up, Aman was interested by a deep desire to elevate everyday experiences. A big fan of visual arts, music and maths. Aman’s  desire for design grew through his discovering American Designer Tinker Hatfield.  It was in high school where Aman learned that he could blend his favourite subjects, arts and maths – and discovered Industrial Design. Combining aesthetics and user-centered interaction while also establishing a relationship with functionality and manufacturing principles are critical when creating effective and innovative solutions is at the core of Aman’s values as an Industrial designer. Kaleb Aman is a current industrial design student at Carleton University. An optimistic spirit Aman sees endless possibilities to improve everyday experiences. “Being at Carleton has taught me to look at problems through a holistic approach with the provided interdisciplinary foundation”.

Aman plans to use the £5,000 prize to take steps to continue field testing and work with a Physical Geographer specializing in atmospheric water to consult on DewPointe’s potential. Eventually, Aman would like to present the concept to NGOs hopefully leading to implementing DewPointe with small holder farmers facing food insecurity due to the dry season.