Peeko

This thesis explores the critical yet taboo topic of digestive health. Millions worldwide suffer from conditions like IBS and IBD, while colorectal cancer claims countless lives annually, yet societal stigma prevents open discussion about gut health and what our bodies tell us through waste. Blood in stool is a crucial early warning sign for colorectal cancer, but many miss or ignore this indicator. Current public health infrastructure lacks accessible screening in everyday spaces where people already are. The project introduces a smart toilet seat designed for public restrooms. Equipped with hyperspectral camera technology, the seat can detect microscopic traces of blood in stool. When detected, users receive a notification through a companion app, prompting them to seek clinical testing before symptoms progress. This innovation breaks the stigma surrounding digestive health by normalizing conversations about waste as vital health data. By embedding screening into public spaces, the design democratizes early cancer detection, making preventive healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of background or healthcare access. Wisdom and Waste transforms an uncomfortable necessity into a lifesaving opportunity.