WEARABLE
·
2023
Snav
A trendy ear piece. Where technology meets water safety.
Materials
Plastic · · Tactile dimming
Recognition
Shortlisted — Top 5 James Dyson Design Awards 2023
Role
Research, industrial design, CAD, prototyping
01
The problem, the user and what I learned
Research involving 203 survey participants, interviews and user observations highlighted the risks sea swimmers face, particularly cold-water exposure, unpredictable tides and rip currents. I discovered that swimmers value the freedom and wellbeing benefits of open-water swimming but often lack awareness of their body's condition while in the water.
This revealed an opportunity to design a discreet, wearable safety device that monitors vital signs, alerts users to potential danger and provides reassurance without disrupting their swimming experience.
02
On site Approval
Early sketches explored stacked forms, a mushroom silhouette and a cantilevered shade. The mushroom read as too familiar, and the cantilever added weight where it was least wanted.
The direction that stayed was the simplest: a single waisted base with the shade seated on top. Rotating the shade to dim came from watching people instinctively reach for the shade, not the stem.
04
Issue at site
The SNAV earpiece is assembled by integrating the internal sensors, electronics and battery within a compact, waterproof housing. The outer casing is then sealed and fitted with a soft, ergonomic silicone component to ensure comfort and a secure fit in the ear.
A hydrophobic coating is applied to enhance water resistance, alongside the sealed construction designed to achieve an IPX7 waterproof rating.
05
Key Features
06
Where the project stands
Halo was shortlisted for the Irish Design Awards in 2026. A short run of twelve working prototypes is currently being evaluated with the original interviewees.
Next steps are a glass supplier review for the opal dome and a cost exercise targeting a retail price under 180 euro.