VisionRide
Timeframe: 3 Weeks (May 2024)
My Role: UX/UI Designer
Team: UX Researcher & UX Designer
Methods: Low-fidelity Storyboarding, User Feedback, Mid-fidelity Wireframing, Physical Prototyping
Product Description
Urban bicycle riders face navigational challenges and safety risks as they commute through busy streets. Traditional helmets provide passive protection but fail to offer real-time information and situational awareness, leaving bicyclists vulnerable to accidents and dangerous situations. Those who need to ride to work would benefit from constant updates on traffic conditions, road hazards, and navigational directions to make informed decisions quickly. Using smartphones or GPS devices while riding can be distracting and dangerous, diverting attention from the road. Cyclists often encounter sudden changes in weather and road conditions, requiring on-the-spot adjustments. Traditional helmets do not provide alerts for obstacles or nearby vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions. Manually adjusting settings, changing music, or checking stats during a ride can be cumbersome and unsafe. Long rides can be uncomfortable without proper ventilation and an ergonomic design, leading to reduced focus and enjoyment.
Functionality
The VisionRide is more than a protective gear; it's a comprehensive cycling upgrade that blends safety, information, and convenience to transform urban cycling experiences. Whether navigating rush-hour traffic or enjoying a leisurely ride, this helmet is designed to meet the demands of modern urban bikers.
The helmet is designed to enhance the cycling experience with its 3D Augmented Reality Display that integrates Apple Maps in Bike Mode for clear, navigational directions visible directly in the rider’s line of sight. Using a 360°, 3D screen allows the user to see the road clearly while navigating. Any distraction that takes away from the concentration needed while riding is dangerous. This feature allows bikers to stay focused on the road while effectively being guided to their destination. Additionally, it provides real-time environmental data such as temperature and wind conditions, helping riders adjust their efforts and routes accordingly. This is shown through an effective companion app via a smartphone. All that is required is internet connection.
The helmet is equipped with sensors for sensory awareness, offering obstacle alerts through audio and visual signals to avoid potential hazards, and head movement sensing that tailors the augmented reality display based on the orientation of the rider’s head. For rider controls and alerts, the helmet allows for playing music while maintaining ambient sound awareness to ensure safety. It also includes proximity warnings to alert the rider of nearby objects or vehicles, thereby preventing accidents. Similar to workout apps via smartwatches, the companion app will be able to monitor speed and distance, which will be displayed directly on the helmet's display, while also providing any updates on travel time and route changes, which the user can accept via voice response. The Design and Comfort aspects of the helmet are optimized with strategically placed airflow vents for ventilation and an ergonomic, lightweight design for prolonged comfort during rides.
Features
Alerts
On screen notifications that alert the rider to potential obstacles and pedestrians.
Transparent Audio
Allows riders to enjoy their music and make phone calls while being able to maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Haptic Touch
Integrated seamlessly into the helmet, riders can efficiently interact with their music and answer calls.
AR Lens
Provides riders with an intuitive display of their daily commute. With access to weather information, ride speed, and more.
Storyboard
Sketches
User Feedback
Product Concept and Design Concerns: Both interviewers emphasize the importance of minimizing distractions while riding. While one interviewer appreciates the appeal of the Smart Bicycle helmet concept, they also highlight the need for transparent features to maintain awareness of surroundings. Similarly, the other interviewer expresses concern about potential distractions caused by the helmet's visor and suggests clearer explanations of the product's functions.
Helmet Comfort and Design: Both interviewers value helmet comfort and express preferences for designs that prioritize safety and ventilation. One interviewer approves of the initial sketch's design and air vents, while the other prefers a sporty, protective design with adequate ventilation.
Music and Sound Awareness: While one interviewer prioritizes safety over entertainment when it comes to listening to music while riding, the other also acknowledges the importance of being able to listen to music safely. Both express interest in features that allow for transparent listening to maintain awareness of surroundings.
Safety Features: Both interviewers emphasize the importance of real-time alerts for close objects or vehicles to enhance safety while cycling. They both suggest auditory alerts as a preferred method for alerting cyclists about potential hazards.
The Prototype
User Interface Wireframe
Design Justification
Design Process & User Feedback:
Our design journey for the VisionRide AR Helmet began by closely examining the challenges faced by urban cyclists. Traditional helmets provide protection but lack real-time information, leaving riders vulnerable to accidents. To address this, we adopted a user-centered approach. We started with initial sketches and engaged potential users in semi-formal discussions to refine our designs. Through these conversations, we identified concerns such as minimizing distractions, ensuring comfort and ventilation, and prioritizing safety features.
The feedback we received significantly influenced the final design. Interviewers emphasized the need to minimize distractions while riding and maintain awareness of surroundings. As a result, we integrated an Augmented Reality Display with Apple Maps, providing clear navigational directions without diverting attention. Concerns about comfort and design led us to optimize airflow vents and create an ergonomic, lightweight helmet. Safety features like obstacle alerts and proximity warnings were prioritized based on user feedback.
Reflection:
As a team, we recognize the significance of user feedback in the design process. Our interactions with potential users provided valuable insights that helped us create a product that truly meets the needs of urban cyclists. Moving forward, we are confident that the VisionRide AR Helmet will not only enhance safety and convenience but also serve as a testament to the effectiveness of user-centered design practices.
Next Steps
Upon completion of phase one, we would like to explore the need to create a home base app for VisionRide. We are interested in seeking out information to determine whether not potential users are interested in maintaining ride data and participating in an urban cyclist community.