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GoLight
Design prompt:
Research a current issue and appropriately utilize an IOT technology in the solution. The process must be supported by research data.
Design Result:
A soundless communications device devised for alpine conditions.
Project Info:
Fall 2020 - 2 week
Methods:
User design | Design by research | Experience design | Design Sprint
Design
GoLight works by reflecting the same light to both partners. When one person changes it, that is then reflected on the other's device.
Hold switch up to turn on, down to turn off.
Effective communication, that will enhance any adventure.
Features
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Attachment hole
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LED signal lights
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Signal Switch (move up or down to switch)
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Rubberized aluminum body
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Rechargeable USBC port
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Use Case
Research
Research
Problem identification
(1) Through the 70's - 80's climbing was popularized as a sport through the larger than life "stonemasters" appearing on Tv.
(2) The following years reflected it in injuries and deaths. As the sport grows more popular than ever, we will likely see another surge in fatalities and injuries.
Climbing injuries 1951 - 2018 (Year)
Climbing injuries 1951 - 2018 (Decade)
1. Zaleski, Luke. “Meet the California Crew That Brought Sex, Drugs, and Free Jazz to Rock Climbing.” GQ, www.gq.com/story/stonemasters-rock-climbing-oral-history.
2. Accidents in North American Climbing 2019: Know the Ropes: Managing Risk. American Alpine Club, 2019.
Literature synthesis for further support
1. Miscommunication is the second largest cause of all lowering incidents.
2. Based on death tolls, young users are especially prone to fatal ground falls.
1. AAC Publications - Know the Ropes: Lowering, publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201212427.
2. AAC Publications - Fatal Ground Fall – Miscommunication, Lowering Error, publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201215599.
Current Communication Analysis
The current means of communications for climbers is rudimentary, non-adaptive, and leads to costly mistakes.
Current solutions:
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Radios - require hands on interaction / can be difficult to hear / pricey
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Directional yelling - highly unreliable / taxing to athletes / stressful
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Marhold tug - unreliable / leads to miscommunication
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None are Universally applicable
Corrigan, Kevin. “Learn This: Effective Multipitch Communication.” Climbing Magazine, Climbing Magazine, 25 May 2016, www.climbing.com/skills/learn-this-effective-multipitch-communication/.
Marhold Tug System
IOT integrations
Zigbee communication technology was chosen for Golight because:
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Low cost
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Economy of battery life
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Meets range of user needs
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Reliability
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Low complexity
Wireless technology market comparison
Design
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