Jamie Balfour
Product Design and Technology
Final year project
Reducing Perceived Risk in Cyclists
Scout Cycling Helmet with Integrated Visor Display
For a cyclist to be aware of their surroundings, they need to turn their head which is usually the best way to look around. However, because this can affect balance there are times when turning your head can be intimidating, such as when turning or being overtaken. The Scout Cycling helmet features a head mounted display that links to a rear view camera, allowing the user to see behind them without needing to turn their head. The display could also be used to show navigational or performance data from a user's smartphone.
Replaceable Components
Cycling helmets are a single use item, and should be replaced after any impacts, even from accidental drops. Because of this, it is important that safety critical components can be replaced, without having to completely replace the product.
Functional Prototype
Because this type of product is not widely available, verifying that the principle would function as intended was extremely important. Electrical components and a rough visor were retrofitted to an existing cycle helmet to test the display, and a camera was attached to the back.
Jamie Balfour
I have always had a passion for creating things, especially if it involves using my hands. This passion carries across into my design work where I am always eager to prototype and test and I am also keen on things that work. Needless to say, I am a big fan of working prototypes.
A part of me hopes to one day, in some small way, change the world for the better through design. I do also need to come to terms with the fact that I am not currently capable of that, and so a large part of my design work is about becoming a better designer - more mature, more accomplished and more technically skilled. In order to do this, I need to keep challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone. For example, I am quite at home with pragmatism and practicality, but I want to be able to create truly beautiful things. I also want to become a more inclusive designer, a more sustainable designer, a more professional designer and the list goes on. I am also clinging onto the childhood dream of making video games, so there is that as well.
Awards
'19 Diploma in Professional Studies
Placements
June 2017 - June 2018
LUMA-iD