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Francois's collaboration with startup Theranova exemplifies this transformative approach. They aimed to create a mask that enhances expressiveness, minimizes claustrophobia, and is easy to wear and remove. Their breakthrough was the Just Air mask, which blows air down the wearer's mouth, creating a protective shield of airflow that disperses particulate matter while keeping the face visible.
Crucially, the design avoids associations with hospitals or medical stations—no tubes or bulky apparatus—making it more approachable and less stigmatized. Francois envisions a future where such masks could become daily badges of identity, blending utility with style.