The widespread adoption of masks has presented significant challenges, particularly in situations where visual communication is essential. Facial expression, especially the visualisation of the mouth, plays a crucial role in human interaction. The mouth is fundamental for lip-reading and vital for people with hearing impairments, as well as contributing to clarity in speech and the interpretation of emotions.

In professional and educational contexts and even in everyday activities, the inability to visualise people’s mouths has a negative impact on communication, making it more limited and hindering interpersonal interactions.

Faced with this need, this project was born, the development of a new solution that allowed effective protection against the virus while preserving visualisation of the mouth, thus meeting the public health requirements implemented during the pandemic, and facilitating inclusive communication, namely people with hearing impairments and all those who rely on visual cues for interaction.

This is how BView came about, a face mask that balances antiviral protection and communication. This innovative solution has the potential to significantly improve the quality of human interaction in times of pandemic, demonstrating how technology, new materials and design can converge to respond to, and address global challenges.