SHELLIE:
A Smart Helmet
Overview
Shellie is a smart helmet designed to enhance the cycling experience. Equipped with features such as bone conduction audio, motion detection warnings, real-time weather updates, and an intuitive heads-up display, this innovative helmet aims to make cycling safer and more enjoyable. It also integrates a camera for security, turn signals for safety, and fitness tracking for health-conscious riders.
You can explore the video prototype here.
My Roles
User Research
Prototyping
User Feedback
Duration
Apr 23 - Jun 23
Team Members
Tools Used
Adobe Premier- Pro
Miro
Our Mission
Our mission with the "Shellie" project is to create a smart bicycle helmet that redefines the cycling experience. We are committed to enhancing the safety and convenience of cyclists by integrating advanced technology, ensuring seamless connectivity, and providing an intuitive control mechanism. Our goal is to make cycling not only safer but also more enjoyable, helping riders stay informed, secure, and in control while on the road. With "Shellie," we aim to set new standards for the future of smart cycling helmets.
User Pain Points
Safety Concerns:
Cyclists often face safety concerns, including potential accidents and theft, while riding, which can be distressing and affect their overall experience.
Connectivity:
Staying connected with essential information, such as real-time weather updates, route guidance, or heart rate data, can be challenging for cyclists who rely on multiple devices.
Control Mechanism:
There is a need for intuitive and safe control mechanisms to operate various features while cycling to prevent distractions and ensure rider safety.
My Design Process
Empathise
Define
Ideate
Prototype
Test
Empathise
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Gathered feedback from target users (cyclists) on initial sketches and ideas.
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Learned that controls should be on the helmet rather than the Apple Watch for safety.
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Learned that customizing visor info should be done through mobile app rather than watch.
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Got suggestion to use voice assistant to customize display through voice
Define
"The cycling experience is hindered by safety concerns, the need for real-time information, and control difficulties; we aim to create a smart helmet that resolves these issues seamlessly."
Ideate
Brainstorming Sessions:
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Collaborative brainstorming yielded a variety of feature ideas for the smart helmet.
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Contributions included the concept of integrating bone conduction headphones for music while preserving ambient sounds.
Concept Sketches:
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Quick sketches and diagrams were employed to explore feature integration within the helmet design.
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Concept sketches demonstrated the placement of capacitive touch sensors for intuitive music playback controls.
Idea Filtering and Prioritization:
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Collaborative filtering and prioritization of ideas focused on fulfilling user needs, emphasizing the significance of a heads-up display to enhance rider concentration.
Mid Fideltiy Prototype
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As the design matured, we progressed to mid-fidelity prototypes, which included more detailed representations of the helmet's features.
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These prototypes were particularly effective in showcasing the heads-up display and control mechanisms.
Video Prototype
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We used video prototypes to convey the user experience without implementing all functionalities, providing a cost-effective way to present our vision.
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Prototypes demonstrated the integration of a security camera and motion sensors, which could detect hazards and activate audio warnings.
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Prototyping helped validate the design concepts, incorporate user feedback, and refine the "Shellie" smart bicycle helmet's features for a safer and more enjoyable cycling experience.
Test
Here are some user insights gained from testing the "Shellie" smart bicycle helmet:
Users expressed the need for features that enhance safety without causing distractions.
Users emphasized the need for adjustable audio volume to ensure a balance between entertainment and road awareness.
Users requested for integration with fitness tracking apps and platforms like Strava, as it allowed cyclists to track their performance and fitness goals.
Some suggested the integration of a voice assistant to customize the HUD (Heads-up display)