Carbon monoxide “kills” the canary on this fresh air monitor

The Canairi Fresh Air Monitor draws inspiration from methods used in coal mines during the 18th century to detect gases, such as carbon monoxide.

In those days, mine workers would bring a canary with them in the coal mine, to detect toxic gases — when the bird fainted, it was time to get out. 

Using a built-in CO2 sensor, Canairi works exactly the same. When the air quality is poor the bird will drop, until you open your windows and bring it back to life.

The purpose of the device is to measure indoor air quality whilst encouraging users to take action and ventilate their home when needed. 

A CO2-sensor activates a motor that will make Canairi drop down, when the level of CO2 in a room is above 1000 ppm in more than 10 minutes.

When the level of CO2 is below 1000 ppm, the Canairi will pop back up. 

“A democratic design language makes it simple for children to understand, but also invites the minimalist adult to play along,” says Hans Høite Augustenborg, Co-Founder & Designer of Canairi.

The device uses a simple construction too, made from recycled plastics and is equipped with a rechargeable battery and wall-mount. 

Canairi: emotive design triggers real action

Unlike other air quality monitors, Canairi will let you know when to ventilate your home without the use of light, sound, digital displays or phone notifications.

Canairi stands out by using Storytelling and Gamification as nudging mechanisms to encourage the user to take action.

“It’s hard to ignore a dying bird hanging on your wall. We believe that emotions will trigger actions,” says Augustenborg.

“Keeping a bird alive is a much stronger motivation to action than notifications, sounds, blinking lights or other commonly used triggers to activate your behaviour.”