— PROJECT NAME
SCOPE
— ROLE
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Prototyping
UX Design
— DATE
June 2015
SCOPE is a complete redesign of the Smart Probe technology packaged in a light and convenient ski pole. I was responsible for the initial concept generation, user interaction and redesigning the SP1/SP2 technology to fit inside a 20 mm diameter ski pole. I created several works-like and looks-like prototypes used for testing and sales samples -everything from hacked together and hand-soldered optical sensor electronic prototypes to ergonomic grip designs. The team and I brought the concept to a fully manufacturable product. I worked directly with our contract manufacturers to ensure our groundbreaking design could actually be made at scale.
The biggest challenge for this product was creating an all-new category in the snow safety market. We had to balance skiing dynamics, strength, weight and technology all while making sure skiers could successfully use the product in the most demanding environments. I led the the user experience and interaction design to create a product that utilizes complex technology and delivers easy-to-understand test results.
SCOPE was very well received in the backcountry community because it is easy to use, and is the right form factor for a connected hardware device.
Check out some media coverage for SCOPE:
Teton Gravity Research: These Ski Poles Let You Look Into the Snowpack
For better or worse the technology for skiing the backcountry has expanded greatly in the last five years. From new bindings, airbags, boots, beacons, almost every category of gear has been pushed by the needs of backcountry skiers. The one piece of technology that has stayed relatively stagnant has been the humble ski pole, until now.
Men's Journal: This Ski Pole Can Predict Avalanches
Every good backcountry skier knows that you need an avalanche beacon, a probe, and a shovel the minute you step off-piste. Virgin snow in remote territory can be a death trap for those uneducated or unprepared enough to mitigate the risk of snow slabs, falling cornices, and weakened snow layer.
SCOPE uses all new, more accurate depth and force measurement technology packaged in a light and durable carbon fiber ski pole.
In addition to the product architecture, product design and UI, I led research and development on the new depth system which utilizes optical flow algorithms as the probe is pushed into the snow. The depth system is accurate to +/- 1 cm as the snow is probed at up to 3 m/s.
SCOPE combines haptic feedback and visual indicators on the device with an app that shows detailed test results. I ensured that using the device and app was a seamless experience.
