Senior Thesis
A daily commuter motorcycle helmet with an integrated HUD powered by a mobile application, designed for navigating through dense urban environments
OVERVIEW
In the U.S., about 60.2 % of motorcycle fatal and serious-injury crashes occur in urban areas, despite urban roads handling a smaller proportion of all travel.
Riding a motorcycle in dense city environments poses serious risks due to heavy traffic, limited visibility, and unpredictable drivers, with over 60% of severe crashes occurring in urban areas. In 2020 alone, 5,579 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes. Driven by curiosity and a fascination with these complex machines, I set out to explore innovative ways to enhance rider safety on city streets.
ROLE
TIMELINE
TEAM
PROCESS
Solo student project, senior thesis
Fall 2022 - May 2023
Akanksha Singh, Primary Designer
End to end research, UX UI Development, HMI Design, 3D Modeling and rendering
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Dense urban areas make commuting during rush hour challenging for riders
Nova is a smart motorcycle helmet designed to address road risks through intelligent features, providing real-time feedback, spatial alerts, and intuitive interface cues that help riders navigate urban environments with greater safety and confidence.
UNDERSTANDING THE APPROACH
Enhancing riders’ visibility and preparedness for dense urban commutes can reduce road-related anxiety and improve their overall sense of safety
Exploring the motorcycle community, which encompasses both new and experienced riders, highlights opportunities to enhance diversity and improve road safety. Visibility is a common concern for riders of all levels, so the goal is to increase their presence on the road. Features like a HUD in the helmet are designed to reduce reliance on smartphones during commutes, promoting safer riding practices.
1) Nova App
The rider's journey starts by registering on the Nova app, where they can pair their helmet, use the in-app navigation system, and customize their HUD preferences.
2) H.U.D
Nova's HUD empowers riders to stow away their smartphones, preventing the addition of overstimulating elements during their commutes. Riders have the flexibility to set their preferred HUD screen for each ride so they only see elements they need. The app allows them to preview how each HUD element will appear and provides the associated voice command.
Kevlar Carbon Fiber Hybrid allows for a high strength-to-weight ratio and high impact & abrasion resistance
3) Helmet
In order to enhance visibility and safety, Nova offers riders the convenience of using voice commands to activate turn signals displayed on the sides of their helmets.
Voice-activated lights for hands-free signaling, e.g., ‘Hey Nova, turning right.’
“Bay area is extremely dangerous, it's very crowded here”
“I would tell new riders everybody is out there trying to kill you”
"You have to be okay with falling, its truly a matter of when, not if"
"The culture behind every bike can be overstimulating"
"I understand the risks that I might die yet it does not stop me"
"Riding in the city is what gets most people killed around here"
Common Themes
Riding is a source of stress relief and self-care for many individuals. Due to this, it is crucial that the experience is as seamless as possible.
Although people's needs vary, generally, riders are intolerant of those who do not wear their gear in the U.S., it is often frowned upon.
04
Riding for passion
Wearing gear all the time is COOL
01
To gather more insights, I contacted previous interviewees and organized a card-sorting activity. Participants received an empty HUD screen and printed HUD elements, which they arranged according to their preferences. They had the option to add or remove elements as they saw fit.
To ensure the HUD is not only effective but also safer than using a smartphone while riding, it became evident that letting riders customize their own screens was essential. This approach would empower them to have a more personalized and safer riding experience.
Card Sorting Research Activity
Testing
The data I collected highlighted a major concern among riders – the feeling of being invisible on the road, which becomes even more pronounced in densely populated environments. To address this critical issue, I implemented LED lights positioned around Nova. I tested various shapes and placements for the lights to achieve optimal visibility without compromising aesthetics.
Refinement
Through the integration of AI (Vizcom), I pinpointed pivotal design elements in harmony with my vision, forming the bedrock for Nova's ultimate versions. Feedback played a crucial role in honing Nova's features, Dave Stroud's vast background at Bell, Specialized, Meta, and other firms was a significant asset. Collaborating with him and other designers facilitated access to their extensive industry expertise.
PRIMARY RESEARCH SYNTHESIS
Gaining a thorough grasp of the motorcycle community
I made an effort to connect with 15 seasoned and beginner riders. Through engaging with them, I gained extensive knowledge about the routines and practices of everyday riders. By employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative inquiries, I was able to objectively delve into the community as an outsider and explore the unwritten norms, daily customs, and general perspectives and challenges encountered by numerous riders.
Most riders are bold, their gear needs to match their personalities, but this can impact new riders and make them feel intimidated.
Riders have to accept the worse possible outcome when they get on a bike and prepare for it every second they are not on the bike.
Feedback revealed a crucial insight
05
Bold personalities take dominance
Accepting the inevitable
02
Riders may start their journey to bond with their communities. Due to this, it is important to ensure riding feels like an interactive activity.
Ego-driven riders distort the community’s image and heighten safety risks, and it’s not only young riders who fall into this behavior.
06
A bonding experience like no other
The permanent passenger: ego
03
HUD DISPLAY EXPLORATION
During the testing phase, I conducted a mock simulation
I ran a mock simulation with a makeshift HUD using clear film and a bike helmet given that I did not have my motorcycle license. I quickly learned that spreading the content too widely on the film made riding difficult. I understood the importance of minimizing content to avoid distractions.
HELMET DESIGN
Design Heuristics & Ideation
My focus was on designing shapes that exuded an approachable yet dynamic appeal. It was essential to break away from the overengineered and sometimes exclusionary feel of traditional gear. Regardless of whether a rider is experienced or just starting out, I aimed to create gear that would not overwhelm or alienate anyone. My vision was to infuse geometric elements, subtle textures, and flowing lines to achieve an inviting aesthetic.