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Enhancing Helmet Design through User-Centered Approach
Sep 21, 2024
User-Centered Design
Introduction
Topic: User-Centered Design (UCD)
Importance in online platforms and physical products.
Direct impact on business: ease of use correlates with higher sales.
Issues with Physical Products
Many products (e.g., helmets) are difficult to use due to:
Legislation constraints
Material properties
Example: Motorcycle helmets often uncomfortable, leading to non-use.
Case Study: Helmet Design
Story of Mandar Kale (2007)
:
Student affected by friend's death in a motorcycle accident due to helmet non-use.
Highlighted the need for encouraging helmet use.
Statistics
:
140,000 deaths due to motorcycle accidents in 2015.
Increase in helmet compliance due to stricter fines.
Challenges in Helmet Design
Comfort vs. Safety:
Need to create comfortable yet safe helmets.
Understanding user context:
Cultural and socio-economic factors affect helmet design and usage.
Product Planning
:
Importance of variety in design to cater to different users.
Market Research and Findings
Research showed:
High rates of head injuries and fatalities from motorcycle accidents.
Injuries often result from blunt trauma to the head.
Observations revealed:
Many people avoid wearing helmets due to discomfort.
Hot weather conditions exacerbate the issue.
Testing and Comparisons
Analysis of helmets from various price ranges:
Roadside helmets outperformed branded ones in crash tests.
Key finding: More effective use of thermocol (EPS) in roadside helmets.
Material Studies
Exploration of high-end materials (e.g., Kevlar, Lexan) for potential applications.
Examination of standards set by international bodies:
Standards often based on cold weather testing, not applicable to Indian conditions.
User-Centric Design Process
Important considerations for helmet design:
Easy to carry and store
Good ventilation
Lightweight
Secure fit without wobbling
Unobstructed vision
Facilitated hearing
Product Brief
:
A brief is essential to guide development and ensure user needs are met.
Concept Development
Emphasis on brainstorming for diverse solutions.
Examples of innovative ideas:
Scarf-style closures for easier wear.
Ventilation enhancements through design.
Various storage solutions for convenience.
Ideas clustered into themes for focused development:
Ventilation Cluster
Storage Cluster
Ease of Wearing Cluster
Final Concept Development
Integration of feedback and ideas into a final design:
Combination of features to enhance usability while maintaining safety.
Concept A focused on ventilation and user comfort, with innovative strap design eliminating traditional buckles.
Conclusion
The importance of user-centered design in creating effective, market-relevant products, particularly in the safety segment.
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