YOUTH HOCKEY HELMET
For one semester, I researched head protection in hockey using the "jobs to be done" design method. I discovered a need for hockey helmets designed specifically for youth players ages 6-9 years old. Parents want to ensure their child is properly protected and my goal is provide them peace of mind.
WHAT'S THE NEED?
It’s stressful for a parent to let their child play a dangerous sport, such as hockey. No matter the cost, every parent wants to ensure their child is properly protected and provided the necessary equipment to play the game safely.
Before a child steps out onto the ice, it is important that they have a properly fitted helmet to protect them from any head injury. My goal is to provide peace of mind to parents, coaches, and youth players (6-9 years old).
CURRENT PAIN POINTS
difficult to attach and detach
My initial focus was on the helmet's cage and how I could improve the player's visibility. After reviewing to consumer reviews, I discovered a large problem in the adjustable features of the helmet including the straps and the size range of the helmet. Also, most players noted having discomfort in the internal padding.
unable to be adjusted
foam holds in bacteria and smells
minimizes visibility for players
unable to be adjusted with gloves
unable to be adjusted on the fly
CAGE
INTERNAL PADDING
WIDTH
CHIN STRAP
CAGE STRAP
SCREW ATTACHMENT
BENCHMARKING
After reviewing some of the top competitors on the market, I was able to determine features that will directly impact my design; including pricing of material and technology, adjustability, and visibility of different visor materials. I was also able to pin point problems to avoid and fix. All of these conclusions will have to be interpreted with my end user in mind because most, if not all hockey helmets, are designed for adults and scaled down to accommodate younger users.
INITIAL IDEATION
During the beginning stages of ideation, I brainstormed with quick thumbnails on paper focusing on my pain points.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Before moving into digital sketching, I gathered inspiration to guide my design as I played back and forth between a more traditional hockey helmet silhouette and geometric shapes that bring a modern twist to the hockey helmet market. Ultimately, I wanted to see how far current hockey players would let me push the boundaries on a helmet that seemingly hasn't changed in years.
ARMOURED - CONTINUOUS - SLICK
CONCEPT 1
CONCEPT 2
CONCEPT 3
INITIAL RESEARCH
During my first validation of concepts, I focused on junior level hockey players, which is the level between college and pro. I interviewed four college players, two UC club players, and two Notre Dame hockey players. After these interviews, I realized that my objectives aligned better with youth hockey players and their parents. So, I interviewed two parents and two players (7-8 y/o) and discovered the importance of protection to parents and a helmet that will grow with the young players. Also, the youth players made a point to mention the comfort of the helmet, unlike the junior level players.
Target User: Youth Hockey Players
Target Consumer: Hockey Parents
Youth hockey players value comfort and hockey parents value protection.
Key pain point is adjustability for both parents & players.
My design goals are to design a helmet for youth hockey players to:
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PROVIDE MAXIMUM PROTECTION
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IMPROVE VISIBILITY
-
INCREASE ADJUSTABILITY
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PREVENT MOLD AND BACTERIA GROWTH IN THE PADDING
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INCREASE LIFESPAN
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PROVIDE MORE COMFORT FOR YOUTH PLAYERS
My helmet will achieve these goals without disrupting the hockey player’s ability to move their head/neck and ability to play the game safely.
PROJECT BRIEF
REFINEMENT
Following my initial interviews and brainstorming, I used prototyping with foam and moved into 3D modeling to solidify my concepts. After I determined the placement of the internal padding, I was able create the skeleton for my helmet so I could continue ideating on the aesthetics and functional details.
CONCEPT VALIDATION
In my second round of validation, I spoke with hockey players between the ages of 7-9 and their parents. I got input on the five main features in my design, as well as other input and suggestions that would increase their confidence in the design. I made sure to address my original pain points in addition to important features in a competitive hockey helmet on the market. I then took all of this information in consideration for my final concept.
INITIAL CONCEPT
SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS
KEY
HELMET FEATURES
INSIGHTS
"The hexagon padding is my favorite part of the helmet. The fast drying concept is great to prevent smells and bacteria and mold growth."
"The Boa Technology knob seems to be a good size for young players with gloves on and adult hands, but it is hidden in the back of the helmet."
"The hexagon padding is my favorite part of the helmet. The fast drying concept is great to prevent smells and bacteria and mold growth."
FINAL HELMET CONCEPT
The ends of the straps connecting the cage and the chin padding to the helmet are over-molded with soft touch plastic, similar to an aglet on a shoelace. This gives the players a grip to adjust their pads while wearing thick gloves.
STRAP ADJUSTMENT
Vents are placed in the front of the helmet and the back of the helmet to allow air to pass through while the player is skating. The vents on top allow heat to escape keeping the player cool.
VENTILATION
The padding is made using Carbon DLS 3D printing technology to allow more airflow and fit a wider range of head sizes. The flexible polyurethane filament reduces mold growth in the padding as youth players are more likely to leave their helmets stored in a travel bag between practices and games.
PADDING
Full facial protection is required for youth hockey players. Current face protection on the market is either a full metal cage, which can block visibility, or the bubble, which is a clear face shield that fogs up while playing.
CLEAR CAGE
The knob on the back of the helmet allows players and parents to tighten and loosen the helmet with ease. The bar-shaped knob gives the player dexterity through bulky gloves. Parents can also reach behind their child's help adjust the sizing without looking.
SIZE ADJUSTMENT
ADDRESSED PAIN POINTS
STRONG EXTERIOR
vinyl nitrile shell
CAGE CLIPS
snap together
EAR PROTECTION
removable guards
CAGE STRAP
plastic rivets are easy to adjust
INTERNAL PADDING
carbon DLS 3D printed
CAGE
clear ploycarbonate
CHIN STRAP
wider buckle for hockey gloves
My aesthetic inspiration came from adding a modern twist to the traditional silhouette of a hockey helmet. The helmet features a transparent polycarbonate cage which is attached with small rings that clip around the mask to eliminate screws. The ear guards are removable and the helmet exterior is made of vinyl nitrile. Both features are standard in high end helmets. The straps are thicker so they can be grasped more easily, even using hockey gloves.
HELMET FEATURES
SIZE ADJUSTMENT
This helmet concept features Boa Technology that allows the helmet to be adjusted on all sides of the head, rather than the helmet sliding in one direction. This allows for more comfort for wider heads and as the child grows. The knob twists with a clicking system to hold the sizing preference in place. The simple design can be turned easily with two fingers in a hockey glove or by a parent or coach reaching behind a child's head.
INTERNAL PADDING
The DLS 3D printed internal padding uses a hexagonal lattice to redirect impact evenly around the entire helmet instead of getting the full force at the point of impact. The reason I chose this material over kinetic foam or other padding materials was due to the need for durability in this helmet. Youth hockey players do not have the luxury of leaving their hockey gear out to dry in a locker room, like higher level players. They pack up their gear and take it home after every practice and game. This material decreases the chance for mold and bacteria growth in the helmet if it is forgotten in their equipment bag after a practice of a game.
DESIGNED FOR ATHLETES