Kato
Team Composition:
3 UX Researchers
2 Test Engineers
Role:
Lead HF
UX researcher
Identified Problems
Stability, Fit, and Comfort
Ensuring that the goggles remained securely in place while offering a comfortable fit was a challenge. The lack of an effective fit around the face resulted in discomfort, especially during high-movement activities like skiing and snowboarding.Visual Distortion and Occlusion
Users experienced visual distortion and occlusion in certain goggle designs, which impacted the clarity and effectiveness of the field of view. This issue became particularly noticeable in dynamic environments where a clear, unobstructed view was crucial for performance and safety.Venting
Inadequate venting led to fogging issues and reduced overall visibility. The goggles did not offer enough airflow to prevent condensation build-up, which affected user experience, especially in varying weather conditions on the slopes.
Proposed Solutions
Increased Stability Without Compromising Comfort
By strategically placing pressure points in the goggle stem, we aimed to enhance stability without sacrificing comfort. This ensures that the goggles stay securely in place during high-movement activities while preventing discomfort over extended use.Nose Bridge for Enhanced Comfort and Stability
A custom-designed nose bridge was introduced to provide additional comfort and improve stability, ensuring the goggles stay in position during intense activities like skiing and snowboarding.Smaller Nose Bridge to Eliminate Visual Distortion and Occlusion
A smaller, precisely designed nose bridge was implemented to address visual distortion and occlusion. This improvement allows for an unobstructed field of view, enhancing both performance and safety.Lens Curvature for Better Venting and Eye Protection
We optimized the lens curvature to increase ventilation, helping reduce fogging, while also providing better protection against wind. This design not only improves clarity but also ensures that users’ eyes remain shielded in various weather conditions.
Study Plan
To evaluate the high-fidelity prototype, we recruited professional competitor athletes from various sports disciplines to test the performance of the sunglasses under real-world conditions. The test participants included an Olympic track distance jumper, Women's Olympic beach volleyball team, and a professional road cyclist.
Distance Jumper
We tested the sunglasses with a professional distance jumper to assess stability and visual occlusion. This athlete regularly competes while wearing sunglasses, making their feedback critical for evaluating stability during high-force movements. Additionally, visual acuity is crucial for distance jumpers, so we focused on identifying any visual distortion or occlusion that might affect performance.
Beach Volleyball Player
A professional beach volleyball player was selected to evaluate stability, distortion, occlusion, and comfort. Beach volleyball players rely heavily on their ability to track fast-moving objects with extensive eye movement. Stability is essential during high-intensity activities such as jumping, running, and diving. Since these athletes wear sunglasses for long periods (up to 95% of their time on the court), comfort was also a major factor in the testing.
Cyclist
We tested the sunglasses with a professional road cyclist to analyze venting, airflow, occlusion, stability, and comfort. Cyclists require protection from wind and debris, so eye protection is a critical factor. The sunglasses needed to provide adequate airflow to minimize fogging, while maintaining stability and comfort for long periods of use.
Research Methods
Contextual Inquiry: Observing athletes in their natural environment to gather real-time insights into their needs and challenges.
Usability Testing: Structured testing where participants engaged with the sunglasses during their respective sports, enabling us to measure performance and usability.
User Interviews: Conducted post-testing interviews to gain qualitative feedback on comfort, stability, and overall experience, helping inform future product iterations.
For more details on this project, please contact me.
lopezg7575@gmail.com
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