MSK3
Team Composition:
1 UX Researchers
Role:
Lead HF
Problem
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created a need for protective equipment that could reduce transmission risk in contact sports, while also addressing key performance concerns. The challenge was to design a solution that provided adequate protection without negatively affecting player stability, comfort, and overall performance.
Key Issues:
Stability: Ensuring the protective equipment stays securely in place during high-intensity activities without hindering movement or performance.
Fit: Designing a comfortable fit that accommodates various player head shapes and ensures long-term wearability during games and practice.
Comfort: Balancing protection with comfort, ensuring that athletes could perform at their best without feeling restricted by the gear.
Solution
To address the key challenges of stability, fit, and comfort while maintaining protection against COVID-19, the following design solutions were implemented:
Adjustable Straps: Customizable straps ensure a secure fit for athletes of different head shapes and sizes, preventing the protective gear from shifting during movement.
Behind-the-Head Strap: A behind-the-head strap was incorporated to improve stability, keeping the shield in place during high-intensity actions like running, jumping, and tackling.
Adjustable Nose Bridge: The inclusion of an adjustable nose bridge allows for a more tailored fit, enhancing both comfort and stability. It also helps improve the seal around the face, reducing the risk of droplet transmission.
Literature Review
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was limited research available on personal protective equipment (PPE) in non-medical fields, particularly concerning breathability and comfort. To address this gap, I conducted an extensive literature review focused on the effectiveness of PPE in high-performance environments, with a specific emphasis on:
Breathability: Reviewing studies on how various materials and designs impact airflow and ease of breathing, particularly under physical exertion.
Comfort: Investigating how PPE design influences comfort over extended wear, focusing on factors like fit, pressure points, and user experience.
This literature review helped inform the design of the mouth shield, guiding decisions around breathability, fit, and overall comfort for athletes.
Usability Test
Previous studies highlighted that over-the-ear straps on face masks often led to discomfort after extended wear, and certain materials increased heat around the mouth area during increased breathing. To address these concerns, I conducted a short-term usability test focused on fit, comfort, and breathability.
Test Setup:
Participants: 3 users
Activity: Participants wore the mask while walking on a treadmill with a slight incline to simulate real-world conditions and assess comfort during light physical activity.
Metrics:
Fit Ratings: Users rated the initial fit of the mask.
Discomfort Heat Maps: Discomfort was tracked, and heat maps were created based on user feedback to identify areas where heat and discomfort were most concentrated.
Comfort Ratings: Users provided ratings on overall comfort during wear.
After the treadmill test, user interviews were conducted to gather detailed feedback on discomfort areas, fit preferences, and overall experience.
For more details on this project, please contact me.
lopezg7575@gmail.com
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