INSYNC

INSYNC

INSYNC

InSync is a smart cycling vest designed to change the way cyclists interact with their environment. Harnessing the power of tactile communication, it focuses on introducing a novel approach to cycling safety and user experience. By leveraging insights from neuroscience and biomimicry, It aims to expand the cyclist's sensory landscape, introducing an additional layer of tangible sense to the user through this fusion of technology and human-centred design

InSync is a smart cycling vest designed to change the way cyclists interact with their environment. Harnessing the power of tactile communication, it focuses on introducing a novel approach to cycling safety and user experience. By leveraging insights from neuroscience and biomimicry, It aims to expand the cyclist's sensory landscape, introducing an additional layer of tangible sense to the user through this fusion of technology and human-centred design

InSync is a smart cycling vest designed to change the way cyclists interact with their environment. Harnessing the power of tactile communication, it focuses on introducing a novel approach to cycling safety and user experience. By leveraging insights from neuroscience and biomimicry, It aims to expand the cyclist's sensory landscape, introducing an additional layer of tangible sense to the user through this fusion of technology and human-centred design

Project Scope

Project Scope

Project Type: Academic (Sept 2023 - Ongoing)

Project Type:
Academic (Sept 2023 - Ongoing)

Project Type: Academic (Sept 2023 - Ongoing)

My Role: UX Researcher, UX Designer.

My Role:
UX Researcher, UX Designer.

My Role: UX Researcher, UX Designer.

Methodologies:
Ergonomic Analysis

Story Boarding

Physical Prototyping
Body Mapping

User Testing

Market Analysis

Rapid Iterative Testing & Evaluation (RITE)

Methodologies:
Ergonomic Analysis

Story Boarding

Physical Prototyping
Body Mapping

User Testing

Market Analysis

Rapid Iterative Testing & Evaluation (RITE)

Methodologies:
Ergonomic Analysis

Story Boarding

Physical Prototyping
Body Mapping

User Testing

Market Analysis

Rapid Iterative Testing & Evaluation (RITE)

Tools
Arduino, Figma, Miro, DALL-E, Chat-GPT

Tools
Arduino, Figma, Miro, DALL-E, Chat-GPT

Tools
Arduino, Figma, Miro, DALL-E, Chat-GPT

Problem Statement

Problem Statement

Cycling in London has grown dramatically, with a 50% increase in cyclist numbers since 2004, as more people embrace sustainable transport and healthier lifestyles. However, this surge has been accompanied by alarming safety concerns. In the UK, two cyclists are killed every week, contributing to a tragic annual toll of over 100 fatalities. Furthermore, 4,056 cyclists are seriously injured each year, a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads.

In London specifically, serious injuries among cyclists rose by 15% in 2022, reaching 989 incidents, up from 862 in 2021. Cyclists now account for a disproportionate share of road casualties, despite overall reductions in road deaths and injuries across the city. While the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2041, the upward trend in cyclist injuries poses a significant challenge.

Cycling in London has grown dramatically, with a 50% increase in cyclist numbers since 2004, as more people embrace sustainable transport and healthier lifestyles. However, this surge has been accompanied by alarming safety concerns. In the UK, two cyclists are killed every week, contributing to a tragic annual toll of over 100 fatalities. Furthermore, 4,056 cyclists are seriously injured each year, a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads.

In London specifically, serious injuries among cyclists rose by 15% in 2022, reaching 989 incidents, up from 862 in 2021. Cyclists now account for a disproportionate share of road casualties, despite overall reductions in road deaths and injuries across the city. While the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2041, the upward trend in cyclist injuries poses a significant challenge.

Cycling in London has grown dramatically, with a 50% increase in cyclist numbers since 2004, as more people embrace sustainable transport and healthier lifestyles. However, this surge has been accompanied by alarming safety concerns. In the UK, two cyclists are killed every week, contributing to a tragic annual toll of over 100 fatalities. Furthermore, 4,056 cyclists are seriously injured each year, a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads.

In London specifically, serious injuries among cyclists rose by 15% in 2022, reaching 989 incidents, up from 862 in 2021. Cyclists now account for a disproportionate share of road casualties, despite overall reductions in road deaths and injuries across the city. While the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2041, the upward trend in cyclist injuries poses a significant challenge.

Aim

To design an intuitive, wearable interface that enhances cyclist-road communication and increases real-time spatial awareness through tactile feedback, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving road safety for urban cyclists.

To design an intuitive, wearable interface that enhances cyclist-road communication and increases real-time spatial awareness through tactile feedback, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving road safety for urban cyclists.

To design an intuitive, wearable interface that enhances cyclist-road communication and increases real-time spatial awareness through tactile feedback, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving road safety for urban cyclists.

Objectives

Objectives

  1. Conduct contextual and user research to identify behavioural patterns, pain points, and risk factors faced by urban cyclists during navigation and signaling.

  2. Map the human-body interface to determine optimal tactile feedback zones that ensure intuitiveness and minimal distraction.

  3. Ideate and prototype a haptic-based wearable system that integrates with standard cycling gestures or route-planning devices.

  4. Validate usability and comfort through iterative testing with real users in controlled and in-situ scenarios.

  5. Ensure seamless integration of technology into a wearable form factor without compromising on ergonomics, aesthetics, or safety standards.

  1. Conduct contextual and user research to identify behavioural patterns, pain points, and risk factors faced by urban cyclists during navigation and signaling.

  2. Map the human-body interface to determine optimal tactile feedback zones that ensure intuitiveness and minimal distraction.

  3. Ideate and prototype a haptic-based wearable system that integrates with standard cycling gestures or route-planning devices.

  4. Validate usability and comfort through iterative testing with real users in controlled and in-situ scenarios.

  5. Ensure seamless integration of technology into a wearable form factor without compromising on ergonomics, aesthetics, or safety standards.

  1. Conduct contextual and user research to identify behavioural patterns, pain points, and risk factors faced by urban cyclists during navigation and signaling.

  2. Map the human-body interface to determine optimal tactile feedback zones that ensure intuitiveness and minimal distraction.

  3. Ideate and prototype a haptic-based wearable system that integrates with standard cycling gestures or route-planning devices.

  4. Validate usability and comfort through iterative testing with real users in controlled and in-situ scenarios.

  5. Ensure seamless integration of technology into a wearable form factor without compromising on ergonomics, aesthetics, or safety standards.

Outcomes

Outcomes

  • A smart cycling vest prototype that utilises vibration-based directional feedback to guide cyclists without diverting their attention from the road.

  • A validated user-centred design process that demonstrates high usability, safety perception, and intuitiveness among urban cyclists.

  • A design framework for developing future tactile wearable systems that can extend beyond cycling into other mobility or assistive technology domains.

  • Enhanced user satisfaction and measurable reduction in cognitive load during navigation, as observed in user testing sessions.

  • A smart cycling vest prototype that utilises vibration-based directional feedback to guide cyclists without diverting their attention from the road.

  • A validated user-centred design process that demonstrates high usability, safety perception, and intuitiveness among urban cyclists.

  • A design framework for developing future tactile wearable systems that can extend beyond cycling into other mobility or assistive technology domains.

  • Enhanced user satisfaction and measurable reduction in cognitive load during navigation, as observed in user testing sessions.

  • A smart cycling vest prototype that utilises vibration-based directional feedback to guide cyclists without diverting their attention from the road.

  • A validated user-centred design process that demonstrates high usability, safety perception, and intuitiveness among urban cyclists.

  • A design framework for developing future tactile wearable systems that can extend beyond cycling into other mobility or assistive technology domains.

  • Enhanced user satisfaction and measurable reduction in cognitive load during navigation, as observed in user testing sessions.

Research

Primary Research: Understanding the Pain Points of Urban Cyclists

Primary Research: Understanding the Pain Points of Urban Cyclists

In this research project, we set out to explore the challenges faced by cyclists navigating the complex urban landscape of London. To achieve a deep understanding of their experiences, we employed a two-pronged approach:

  1. Self-Cycling Analysis:

    Immersing ourselves in the role of urban cyclists, we conducted on-road cycling sessions across diverse areas of London. This firsthand experience allowed us to identify real-world pain points such as unsafe infrastructure, traffic interactions, and environmental stressors.

  2. Expert Interviews:

    To complement our observations, we engaged with seasoned cyclists who have between 10 and 25 years of cycling-commuting experience. Their detailed insights provided valuable perspectives on long-term trends, common frustrations, and adaptive strategies for urban cycling.

In this research project, we set out to explore the challenges faced by cyclists navigating the complex urban landscape of London. To achieve a deep understanding of their experiences, we employed a two-pronged approach:

  1. Self-Cycling Analysis:

    Immersing ourselves in the role of urban cyclists, we conducted on-road cycling sessions across diverse areas of London. This firsthand experience allowed us to identify real-world pain points such as unsafe infrastructure, traffic interactions, and environmental stressors.

  2. Expert Interviews:

    To complement our observations, we engaged with seasoned cyclists who have between 10 and 25 years of cycling-commuting experience. Their detailed insights provided valuable perspectives on long-term trends, common frustrations, and adaptive strategies for urban cycling.

In this research project, we set out to explore the challenges faced by cyclists navigating the complex urban landscape of London. To achieve a deep understanding of their experiences, we employed a two-pronged approach:

  1. Self-Cycling Analysis:

    Immersing ourselves in the role of urban cyclists, we conducted on-road cycling sessions across diverse areas of London. This firsthand experience allowed us to identify real-world pain points such as unsafe infrastructure, traffic interactions, and environmental stressors.

  2. Expert Interviews:

    To complement our observations, we engaged with seasoned cyclists who have between 10 and 25 years of cycling-commuting experience. Their detailed insights provided valuable perspectives on long-term trends, common frustrations, and adaptive strategies for urban cycling.

Secondary Research: Finding Solution for the Pain Points in Urban Cycling

Secondary Research: Finding Solution for the Pain Points in Urban Cycling

This secondary research was conducted to identify and analyse critical user pain points related to cycling experiences, providing actionable insights to inform solution ideation and design optimisation. By using a problem-focused approach, it aimed to uncover gaps in the user experience (UX) journey, such as navigation challenges, environmental hazards, and infrastructure limitations.

The study leveraged contextual inquiry and task analysis to break down key issues, such as cyclists' fear of collisions, difficulties navigating shared spaces, and lack of reliable tools. The findings support user-centred design (UCD) by highlighting specific areas where technology, like haptic feedback systems and real-time mapping, can enhance safety, usability, and user satisfaction. These insights ensure the development of intuitive, adaptive, and context-aware solutions that address real-world cyclist needs.

This secondary research was conducted to identify and analyse critical user pain points related to cycling experiences, providing actionable insights to inform solution ideation and design optimisation. By using a problem-focused approach, it aimed to uncover gaps in the user experience (UX) journey, such as navigation challenges, environmental hazards, and infrastructure limitations.

The study leveraged contextual inquiry and task analysis to break down key issues, such as cyclists' fear of collisions, difficulties navigating shared spaces, and lack of reliable tools. The findings support user-centred design (UCD) by highlighting specific areas where technology, like haptic feedback systems and real-time mapping, can enhance safety, usability, and user satisfaction. These insights ensure the development of intuitive, adaptive, and context-aware solutions that address real-world cyclist needs.

This secondary research was conducted to identify and analyse critical user pain points related to cycling experiences, providing actionable insights to inform solution ideation and design optimisation. By using a problem-focused approach, it aimed to uncover gaps in the user experience (UX) journey, such as navigation challenges, environmental hazards, and infrastructure limitations.

The study leveraged contextual inquiry and task analysis to break down key issues, such as cyclists' fear of collisions, difficulties navigating shared spaces, and lack of reliable tools. The findings support user-centred design (UCD) by highlighting specific areas where technology, like haptic feedback systems and real-time mapping, can enhance safety, usability, and user satisfaction. These insights ensure the development of intuitive, adaptive, and context-aware solutions that address real-world cyclist needs.

Check the whole Secondary Research Data

Check the whole Secondary Research Data

Ideation

Ideation & Testing: Third Eye

Pros

Pros

Pros

  • Improved Awareness: The heightened ability to detect approaching vehicles from the rear.

  • Better Object Identification: Helped users navigate surroundings more effectively.

  • No Impact on Front Vision: Did not obstruct the cyclist’s focus on the road ahead.

  • Easier Turnarounds: Enabled smoother and safer turn manoeuvres.

  • Enhanced Surroundings Awareness: Increased alertness and spatial awareness.

  • Improved Awareness: The heightened ability to detect approaching vehicles from the rear.

  • Better Object Identification: Helped users navigate surroundings more effectively.

  • No Impact on Front Vision: Did not obstruct the cyclist’s focus on the road ahead.

  • Easier Turnarounds: Enabled smoother and safer turn manoeuvres.

  • Enhanced Surroundings Awareness: Increased alertness and spatial awareness.

Improved Awareness: Heightened ability to detect approaching vehicles from the rear.

Better Object Identification: Helped users navigate surroundings more effectively.

No Impact on Front Vision: Did not obstruct the cyclist’s focus on the road ahead.

Easier Turnarounds: Enabled smoother and safer turn maneuvers.

Enhanced Surroundings Awareness: Increased alertness and spatial awareness.

Cons

Cons

  • Fit and Comfort Issues: Uncomfortable and loose, limiting long-duration use.

  • Weight Problems: Required frequent adjustments, affecting concentration.

  • Screen Placement: Central placement caused obstruction, reducing peripheral vision.

  • Fit and Comfort Issues: Uncomfortable and loose, limiting long-duration use.

  • Weight Problems: Required frequent adjustments, affecting concentration.

  • Screen Placement: Central placement caused obstruction, reducing peripheral vision.

Finding Inspiration

Sensory Augmentation

Sensory Augmentation

"Just give the brain the
information and it will figure it out"

"Just give the brain the
information and it will figure it out"

-Paul Bach-Y-Rita

Neuroscientist

What is Sensory Substitution

What is Sensory Substitution

What is Sensory Substitution

Blind Person sees with a new sense

Blind Person sees with a new sense

Blind Person sees with a new sense

What if we could create a NEW sense?

What if we could create a NEW sense?

What if we could create a NEW sense?

Expanding the Umwelt: Enhancing Spatial Awareness with Sensory Augmentation

Expanding the Umwelt: Enhancing Spatial Awareness with Sensory Augmentation

Expanding the Umwelt: Enhancing Spatial Awareness with Sensory Augmentation

Inspired by nature, this sensory augmentation system increases the cyclist’s umwelt, enabling them to perceive and respond to spatial threats and opportunities beyond normal human limits.

Inspired by nature, this sensory augmentation system increases the cyclist’s umwelt, enabling them to perceive and respond to spatial threats and opportunities beyond normal human limits.

Inspired by nature, this sensory augmentation system increases the cyclist’s umwelt, enabling them to perceive and respond to spatial threats and opportunities beyond normal human limits.

Sensory Addition Process

Sensory Addition Process

The Sensory Addition Process, where various data inputs (GPS, alerts, distance, pulse/heart rate, and speed) are collected via sensors. The data is processed and converted into haptic feedback, assigned a unique haptic language, and delivered to the user. The brain then interprets the haptic signals to reconstruct and understand the original data, enabling sensory augmentation.

The Sensory Addition Process, where various data inputs (GPS, alerts, distance, pulse/heart rate, and speed) are collected via sensors. The data is processed and converted into haptic feedback, assigned a unique haptic language, and delivered to the user. The brain then interprets the haptic signals to reconstruct and understand the original data, enabling sensory augmentation.

User Journey

Prototyping & Testing - I

Feature 1: Eco Location

Cyclist confidently navigating bustling urban traffic streets.

Cyclist confidently navigating bustling urban traffic streets.

Car approaches cyclist from behind (Blind Spot), closing distance.

Car approaches cyclist from behind (Blind Spot), closing distance.

Smart vest activates, sensing vehicle's proximity, vibrating alert.

Smart vest activates, sensing vehicle's proximity, vibrating alert.

Cyclist adjusts position, reacting calmly to vibration feedback.

Cyclist adjusts position, reacting calmly to vibration feedback.

Car shifts lane, maintaining safe distance from cyclist.

Car shifts lane, maintaining safe distance from cyclist.

Cyclist rides confidently, reassured by vest's safety features.

Cyclist rides confidently, reassured by vest's safety features.

Prototype 1: With Proximity Sensors

Prototype 1: With Proximity Sensors

Exercise

Exercise

Initial tests assessed usability with simple hand gestures detected by proximity sensors. Debugging resolved early issues, enabling users to correctly interpret all ten prompts, and demonstrating the prototype’s effectiveness in recognising directional inputs.

Initial tests assessed usability with simple hand gestures detected by proximity sensors. Debugging resolved early issues, enabling users to correctly interpret all ten prompts, and demonstrating the prototype’s effectiveness in recognising directional inputs.

Initial tests assessed usability with simple hand gestures detected by proximity sensors. Debugging resolved early issues, enabling users to correctly interpret all ten prompts, and demonstrating the prototype’s effectiveness in recognising directional inputs.

Feature 2: Sensory Navigation

Feature 2: Sensory Navigation

The cyclist sets up his destination on the navigation app, ready to connect it to his smart cycling vest.

The cyclist sets up his destination on the navigation app, ready to connect it to his smart cycling vest.

Selecting the café destination on the phone's map app Connected to the Smart Vest

Selecting the café destination on the phone's map app Connected to the Smart Vest

As the cyclist rides through the city, a subtle vibration on the left side of the vest signals an upcoming left turn.

As the cyclist rides through the city, a subtle vibration on the left side of the vest signals an upcoming left turn.

The cyclist smoothly takes a left turn at the intersection, guided by the haptic feedback from the smart vest.

The cyclist smoothly takes a left turn at the intersection, guided by the haptic feedback from the smart vest.

A gentle vibrations alerts the cyclist to an upcoming turns as he rides through streets.

A gentle vibrations alerts the cyclist to an upcoming turns as he rides through streets.

The cyclist arrives at the café, smiling and satisfied with the smooth, hands-free navigation provided by the smart vest.

The cyclist arrives at the café, smiling and satisfied with the smooth, hands-free navigation provided by the smart vest.

Prototype Testing 2: Implementing Haptic Language

Prototype Testing 2: Implementing Haptic Language

Exercise

Exercise

Testing revealed variability in participants’ ability to differentiate tactile feedback. While one participant accurately identified distinct haptic patterns, the other struggled due to the insulating effect of winter clothing.

Testing revealed variability in participants’ ability to differentiate tactile feedback. While one participant accurately identified distinct haptic patterns, the other struggled due to the insulating effect of winter clothing.

Testing revealed variability in participants’ ability to differentiate tactile feedback. While one participant accurately identified distinct haptic patterns, the other struggled due to the insulating effect of winter clothing.

Workshop: Exploring Group Riding Dynamics

Workshop: Exploring Group Riding Dynamics

Workshop: Exploring Group Riding Dynamics

Objective

The workshop aimed to understand group riding dynamics to inform the design of technologies or systems that enhance collective cycling experiences. Two distinct scenarios were explored: leisure cycling in a park and urban cycling on a road route.

Objective

The workshop aimed to understand group riding dynamics to inform the design of technologies or systems that enhance collective cycling experiences. Two distinct scenarios were explored: leisure cycling in a park and urban cycling on a road route.

Objective

The workshop aimed to understand group riding dynamics to inform the design of technologies or systems that enhance collective cycling experiences. Two distinct scenarios were explored: leisure cycling in a park and urban cycling on a road route.

Participants

  • Total: 6 participants

  • Composition: 2 regular cyclists with advanced riding experience and 4 amateur cyclists representing casual users

  • Purpose: Ensured a mix of skill levels to capture diverse perspectives and identify varied pain points and behaviors in group riding scenarios

Participants

  • Total: 6 participants

  • Composition: 2 regular cyclists with advanced riding experience and 4 amateur cyclists representing casual users

  • Purpose: Ensured a mix of skill levels to capture diverse perspectives and identify varied pain points and behaviors in group riding scenarios

Participants

  • Total: 6 participants

  • Composition: 2 regular cyclists with advanced riding experience and 4 amateur cyclists representing casual users

  • Purpose: Ensured a mix of skill levels to capture diverse perspectives and identify varied pain points and behaviours in group riding scenarios

Cycling Journey

Cycling Through Park

Cycling through Lanes

Cycling on urban Roads

Leisure Cycling in a Park

Leisure Cycling in a Park

Objective: Explore group coordination and navigation in relaxed settings.

Objective:
Explore group coordination and navigation in relaxed settings.

Objective:
Explore group coordination and navigation in relaxed settings.

Focus Areas:

  • Communication: How riders shared information and signaled intentions.

  • Leadership: Influence of designated or emergent leaders on group behavior.

  • Awareness: Mutual understanding of proximity, pace, and individual needs.

Focus Areas:

  • Communication: How riders shared information and signalled intentions.

  • Leadership: Influence of designated or emergent leaders on group behaviour.

  • Awareness: Mutual understanding of proximity, pace, and individual needs.

Focus Areas:

  • Communication: How riders shared information and signalled intentions.

  • Leadership: Influence of designated or emergent leaders on group behaviour.

  • Awareness: Mutual understanding of proximity, pace, and individual needs.

Insights:

  • Informal and intuitive communication methods dominated.

  • Leadership roles emerged organically, often based on familiarity with the route.

  • Riders exhibited heightened mutual awareness, emphasising group harmony.

Insights:

  • Informal and intuitive communication methods dominated.

  • Leadership roles emerged organically, often based on familiarity with the route.

  • Riders exhibited heightened mutual awareness, emphasising group harmony.

Insights:

  • Informal and intuitive communication methods dominated.

  • Leadership roles emerged organically, often based on familiarity with the route.

  • Riders exhibited heightened mutual awareness, emphasising group harmony.

Urban Cycling: Burges Park to London College of Communication

Objective: Contrast park cycling dynamics with urban riding challenges.

Objective:
Contrast park cycling dynamics with urban riding challenges.

Objective:
Contrast park cycling dynamics with urban riding challenges.

Focus Areas:

  • Traffic Interaction: Managing group movement amid vehicles and pedestrians.

  • Route Negotiation: Adjusting to dynamic conditions, such as signals and road-sharing.

  • Safety Considerations: Prioritising visibility, predictability, and spacing.

Focus Areas:

  • Traffic Interaction: Managing group movement amid vehicles and pedestrians.

  • Route Negotiation: Adjusting to dynamic conditions, such as signals and road-sharing.

  • Safety Considerations: Prioritising visibility, predictability, and spacing.

Focus Areas:

  • Traffic Interaction: Managing group movement amid vehicles and pedestrians.

  • Route Negotiation: Adjusting to dynamic conditions, such as signals and road-sharing.

  • Safety Considerations: Prioritising visibility, predictability, and spacing.

Insights:

  • Communication methods were more explicit and deliberate (e.g., hand signals).

  • Leadership roles were more critical and centralised.

  • Riders faced challenges maintaining cohesion due to external disruptions.

Insights:

  • Communication methods were more explicit and deliberate (e.g., hand signals).

  • Leadership roles were more critical and centralised.

  • Riders faced challenges maintaining cohesion due to external disruptions.

Insights:

  • Communication methods were more explicit and deliberate (e.g., hand signals).

  • Leadership roles were more critical and centralised.

  • Riders faced challenges maintaining cohesion due to external disruptions.

Key UX Findings

  • Context Sensitivity: Group behavior varies significantly between leisure and urban settings, necessitating adaptable systems.

  • Communication Needs: Effective group interaction requires real-time, reliable communication tools.

  • Role Dynamics: Leadership and mutual awareness are central to group harmony and safety.

  • Safety Concerns: Urban contexts amplify the need for systems addressing visibility, route planning, and situational awareness.

  • Context Sensitivity: Group behavior varies significantly between leisure and urban settings, necessitating adaptable systems.

  • Communication Needs: Effective group interaction requires real-time, reliable communication tools.

  • Role Dynamics: Leadership and mutual awareness are central to group harmony and safety.

  • Safety Concerns: Urban contexts amplify the need for systems addressing visibility, route planning, and situational awareness.

Key UX Findings

  • Context Sensitivity: Group behaviour varies significantly between leisure and urban settings, necessitating adaptable systems.

  • Communication Needs: Effective group interaction requires real-time, reliable communication tools.

  • Role Dynamics: Leadership and mutual awareness are central to group harmony and safety.

  • Safety Concerns: Urban contexts amplify the need for systems addressing visibility, route planning, and situational awareness.

Next Steps

  • Leverage findings to ideate and prototype solutions enhancing group cycling experiences.

  • Consider technologies supporting real-time group communication, adaptive navigation, and role delegation.

  • Further explore edge cases (e.g., mixed skill levels, larger groups) to broaden applicability.

  • Leverage findings to ideate and prototype solutions enhancing group cycling experiences.

  • Consider technologies supporting real-time group communication, adaptive navigation, and role delegation.

  • Further explore edge cases (e.g., mixed skill levels, larger groups) to broaden applicability.

Next Steps

  • Leverage findings to ideate and prototype solutions enhancing group cycling experiences.

  • Consider technologies supporting real-time group communication, adaptive navigation, and role delegation.

  • Further explore edge cases (e.g., mixed skill levels, larger groups) to broaden applicability.

Prototyping & Testing - II

Feature 3: Hive Mind Feature

Max approaches a blocked route in a busy city while wearing a smart vest.

Max presses a button on their vest to mark the blocked area for others

A 100-meter safety Virtual perimeter is established around the construction site on a shared map

Later, another cyclist approaches the same area, unaware of the roadblock ahead.

The second cyclist receives a haptic alert from their smart vest, warning them of potential danger.

The cyclist changes their route smoothly, avoiding the construction site thanks to the smart vest’s warning.

Prototype Testing 3: Using Heart Rate Monitor

Prototype Testing 3: Using Heart Rate Monitor

Prototype Testing 3: Using Heart Rate Monitor

Prototype Testing 3: Using Heart Rate Monitor

Exercise

The prototype was tested with a heart monitor to evaluate its haptic language for distinguishing heart rate patterns. Users showed moderate success, revealing areas for improvement in signal clarity and usability.

Exercise

The prototype was tested with a heart monitor to evaluate its haptic language for distinguishing heart rate patterns. Users showed moderate success, revealing areas for improvement in signal clarity and usability.

Exercise

The prototype was tested with a heart monitor to evaluate its haptic language for distinguishing heart rate patterns. Users showed moderate success, revealing areas for improvement in signal clarity and usability.

Feature 4: Flock Coordination

Group of cyclists riding together in harmony

One cyclist slows down, struggling with fatigue.

Smart vest detects lagging movement, sends alert.

Group receives vibrations, understanding teammate’s signal.

Team slows down, supporting lagging cyclist together.

Group reunited, cycling in sync once again.

Other Testing

Index

Reflection & Learning

This project was a deeply meaningful exploration of design’s role in addressing intimate emotional challenges. We were proud to create something that resonated with both our target audience and ourselves, tackling overlooked yet universal issues. Through this process, we gained valuable insights into the relationship between sensory inputs—especially sound—and emotions, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback from our peers. The experience reinforced the value of empathetic design and the importance of creating solutions that address both functional and emotional needs.
with its wider array of birdsongs, wind sounds, and footsteps, generated more positive emotions like happiness, excitement, and full of energy.

This project was a deeply meaningful exploration of design’s role in addressing intimate emotional challenges. We were proud to create something that resonated with both our target audience and ourselves, tackling overlooked yet universal issues. Through this process, we gained valuable insights into the relationship between sensory inputs—especially sound—and emotions, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback from our peers. The experience reinforced the value of empathetic design and the importance of creating solutions that address both functional and emotional needs.
with its wider array of birdsongs, wind sounds, and footsteps, generated more positive emotions like happiness, excitement, and full of energy.

This project was a deeply meaningful exploration of design’s role in addressing intimate emotional challenges. We were proud to create something that resonated with both our target audience and ourselves, tackling overlooked yet universal issues. Through this process, we gained valuable insights into the relationship between sensory inputs—especially sound—and emotions, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback from our peers. The experience reinforced the value of empathetic design and the importance of creating solutions that address both functional and emotional needs.
with its wider array of birdsongs, wind sounds, and footsteps, generated more positive emotions like happiness, excitement, and full of energy.