VisionRide

Revolutionizing Urban Riding

The VisionRide A.R. Helmet revolutionizes urban riding by enhancing safety and convenience for commuters who rely on their bikes to get to and from their professions.

urban riders - cyclists - leisure riders

The Solution

3D display delivers essential information without distraction, allowing cyclists to make informed decisions quickly. Customizable alerts, hands-free controls, and the ability to listen to music transparently further improve safety and convenience.

The Problem

Traditional helmets offer only passive protection, but VisionRide integrates augmented reality (AR) technology to provide real-time traffic alerts, road conditions, and navigational cues directly in the cyclist's field of vision.

Make it happen.

  • Role

    UX design

    UX research

  • Team

    3 MSI HCI and

    UX graduate students

  • Tools

    Canva

    Figma

  • Timeline

    3 weeks

Brainstorming

Initial Sketching

Ideation

User Feedback

Prototyping

Product Video

Interviews

The interviews with Adam, a 42-year-old drug and alcohol counselor, and Zach, a 35-year-old bicycle repair professional, provided valuable insights into the VisionRide helmet. Adam expressed concerns about potential distractions from the visor and emphasized the importance of safety features, such as proximity alerts. He also suggested Bluetooth controls and integrating a camera for additional safety. Zach, an avid cyclist, appreciated the idea of augmented reality for navigation and real-time alerts but emphasized the need for transparent music playback and handlebar-mounted controls for ease of use. Both users highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on the road and the potential benefits of integrating advanced technology for safer urban cycling.

Inital Sketches

These sketches depict various designs and concepts for a high-tech helmet. Key features include:

  • Transparent Audio: An integrated audio system for seamless communication and entertainment.

  • Power Button: Easy access for turning the helmet on and off.

  • Airflow Vents: Designed to enhance ventilation and keep the wearer cool.

  • Head Movement Sensing Augmented Reality Vision: Technology to track head movements and provide augmented reality visuals for navigation and other purposes.

  • Retractable Visor: Adjustable visor for protection and comfort.

  • Safety and Comfort Enhancements: Various elements to ensure the helmet is both safe and comfortable, such as padding, adjustable straps, and impact-resistant materials.

Storyboard

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 while listening to music while riding, the other also acknowledges the importance of safety while listening to music. Both users expressed interest in features that allow 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.

UI Design

Users Power on their VisionRide Helmet, then open up maps of their choice.

Once the route has begun, riders can view their enhanced route through VisionRide.

Final Prototype

Enhanced Riding Experience:

The VisionRide helmet features a 3D Augmented Reality Display with Apple Maps Bike Mode for navigational directions in the rider’s line of sight. It provides real-time environmental data like temperature and wind conditions, and proximity alerts through audio and visual signals for enhanced safety.

Interactive and Adaptive Features:

The augmented reality display adapts based on head movement. The helmet allows music playback in transparency mode for ambient sound awareness. Haptic touch enables quick music changes, and a companion app monitors speed, distance, travel time, and route changes, all displayed on the helmet’s screen with voice response functionality.

Design and Comfort:

VisionRide has an ergonomic, lightweight design with airflow vents for ventilation. It connects via Bluetooth by holding the power button before rides, ensuring a seamless, hands-free experience.

Design Justification

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 initial 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.

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.