SnowVision
PROEJCT TYPE
Product & AR App Design
POSITION / ROLE
UX & UI Designer
Product Designer
TEAM
Individual Project
TIMELINE
2023.8 - 2023.10
TOOL
Figma
Adobe Suites
Introduction
Introduction
Through SnowVision, I aim to redefine the snowboarding and skiing experience by integrating augmented reality (AR) technology into snow goggles.
SnowVision introduces an assistance system that offers users real-time data and safety features, which enhance their awareness and interaction with the surroundings as they ride the slopes.
Moreover, I created an interactive gamification system. It transforms the winter sports landscape into a more engaging adventure, blending reality with gaming elements. I strive to make winter sports a safer and more immersive experience, and to bridge the gap between AR technology and outdoor sports.
Brainstorm
AR / VR / MR Research
Argumented Technology (AR)
Overlays computer-generated images on the real world
Virtual Reality (VR)
Immerses users in an artificial digital environment
Mixed Reality (MR)
Hybrid of AR and VR
History Timeline of Extended Reality Technology
1838
Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope, a device that allows viewers to see illusion of depth.
1927
Ed Link creates a flight simulator, “Link Trainer,” allowing pilots to train and feel to control a plane.
1956
Morton Heilig created Sensorama, the first VR machine that combines 3D video, audio, smells, and a vibrating chair to immerse the viewer.
1960
Morton Heilig also patented the Telesphere Mask, the first head-mounted display.
1968
Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull developed the Sword of Damocles, the first AR head-mounted display.
1987
Jaron Lanier created the term "virtual reality" and founded VPL Research, which develops and sells the first commercial VR headsets.
2012
Palmer Luckey launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Oculus Rift raising $2.4M.
2014
Meta acquires Oculus VR for $2 billion. More companies and users have started exploring VR and AR.
2016
The HTC VIVE and PlayStation VR headsets are released. AR and VR investment reached $1.8 Billion.
2017
2019-2022
2023
Extended Reality Technology could revolutionize the way we interact with the world!
What's Next?
Apple announced its entry into the XR market with the Apple Vision Pro, an upcoming mixed-reality headset.
Oculus Quest 1/2 is released, and Meta spent over $36 Billion on Metaverse and XR business.
Apple & Google released their AR framework for developers to create AR apps for smart devices.
Market Research
Ski/Snowboard Equipments & Types
Ski/Snowboard Equipments & Types
(North America)
Smart Goggles Research
Case Study
I conducted case studies on a few smart goggles that are available to buy or in the process of developing, utilizing radar charts for analysis to discern their pros and cons. My objective was to incorporate their strengths into SnowVision while avoiding potential pitfalls.
Rekkie Smart Snow Goggle
(Available on Market)
-
Real-time Information
-
Location Sharing
Pros
Cons
-
Limited Safety Features
-
Functions Layout
Learning
Points
-
User-Centric Design
-
Friend System
RideOn Ski Goggles
(Under Development)
Pros
-
Communication Features
-
Social Integration
Cons
-
Potential Disturbing UI
-
Reliability Issues
Learning
Points
-
Social Elements
RideOn Ski Goggles
(Under Development)
Pros
-
Immersive Experience
-
Alert Systems
Cons
-
Control System
Learning
Points
-
Interactive Elements
-
Safety Alert
Through the market research, I find the smart snow goggles market is still in its early stages of development, but it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of winter sports, the growing demand for wearable technology, and technological advancements.
Wearable Technology
$186B
Market Cap (2023 - 2028)
to
$419.4B
17.4%
CAGR (2023 - 2028)
The wearable technology market size is expected to grow from $186.48B in 2023 to $419.44B by 2028, at a CAGR of 17.60%.
Winter Sports Equipment
$2.8B
Market Cap (2023 - 2028)
to
$3.4B
3.77%
CAGR (2023 - 2028)
The winter sports equipment market size is expected to grow from $2.85B in 2023 to $3.43B by 2028, at a CAGR of 3.77%.
Augmented Reality Technology
$30B
Market Cap (2023 - 2028)
to
$174.5B
42.4%
CAGR (2023 - 2028)
The AR technology market size is expected to grow from $29.8B in 2023 to $174.5B by 2028, at a CAGR of 42.4%.
User Research
Interview Documentation
Online Interview
Interview Notes
Affinity Diagram
Interviewee: Regulus
Interviewee: Elaine
Interviewee: Steven
Interviewee: Carina
General Info
Assistance System
Gamification System
Social Experience
Key Insights
General Info
1.
Users exhibit a diverse range of experience levels, from beginners to professionals.
2.
Users tend to learn skiing or snowboarding by observing others due to the high costs of professional coaching.
3.
Users have a strong preference for documenting their adventures using tools like GoPro and Insta 360
4.
New AR users prefer a platform with a user-friendly interface.
Assistance System
1.
Users showed the need for route planning/mapping features.
2.
Users are interested in real-time location sharing for group skiing experiences.
3.
Users desire an obstacle avoidance alert feature.
4.
Users want an alert call system for potential emergencies.
5.
There's a demand for performance tracking that provides skiing data over time.
Gamification System
1.
Users are interested in challenges tailored to their skill levels.
2.
Users are motivated by completing achievements.
3.
There's interest in interactive competitions with friends.
4.
Users appreciates a leaderboard for competitions.
5.
There's a desire for virtual community events to connect users.
Social Experience
1.
Users value connecting with others of varied skill levels.
2.
Many users prefer skiing or snowboarding in groups.
3.
There's a desire for a platform to share skills and tips.
4.
Users see the need to trails rating system that show feedback.
5.
There's an interest in a communication feature for enhanced connectivity and safety.
User Personas
Ideation
User Segmentations
Beginner
Newcomers into the skiing or snowboarding word. SnowVision serves to foster a safe and enajoyable start.
Intermediate
For users who moved past the beginning stage, SnowVision offers a balanced blend of guidance and freedom to explore different trails.
Advanced
For the enthusiasts who are deeply invovled in the sports. SnowVision offers a blend of adventure and challenge to enhance their experience.
PRO
For the seasoned masters of the slopes. SnowVison tailors to match their high level skills, and records their experience.
User Scenarios
Regular Solo User
These are individuals prefer the serenity and freedom of skiing or snowboarding alone. They cherish the moment on the slopes at their own pace, without needing coordination or waiting for others. They might be using SnowVision for its navigational features, performance tracking, and the ability to capture and relive their downhill adventures.
Training
Users who are on a journey to enhance their skills and techniques. Whether beginners or intermediate enthusiasts aiming to refine specific skills, they see every trip downhill as an opportunity to grow. They might use SnowVision's virtual coach feature, skill-based challenges, and performance reports to measure and motivate their progress.
Group Skiing
These are groups of friends, family, or ski clubs. They cherish the collective experience, from synchronized downhill runs to group challenges. With SnowVision, they might be using features like real-time location sharing, group challenges, and community events to ensure they stay connected, coordinate meet-ups, and share moments.
Pain Points and Features
Cost-Impact Matrix
Design
Left Side Controls
Map Button (Active Under 5 MPH)
-
Expand the full map: Press the button
-
Zoom in: Lightly swipe up on the button
-
Zoom out: Lightly swipe down on the button
-
Turn Off Full Map: Press and hold the button
Click to Expand the Map (Active under 5 MPH)
Swipe Up/Down to Zoom In/Out
Right Side Controls
Recording Button
-
Start Recording Footage: Press the button
-
Stop Recording Footage: Double-press the button
Digital Wheel
-
Open Menu/Select/Unselect: Press the button
-
Switch Features: Scroll the button
-
Return to previous page: Double-press the button
-
Turn off Menu: Press and hold the button
SOS Call Button
-
Emergent Safety Call: Press and hold the button
Click Digital Wheel to Expand the Menu/Select/Unselect
Scroll Digital Wheel to Switch Features
Usability Testing
I conducted user testing by having my test subject wearing standard snow goggles that served to replicate the real-world conditions under which the AR goggles would be used. The goal was to evaluate the intuitiveness and user-friendliness of the SnowVision's control buttons.
Control Buttons Overview
Left Side Controls Testing
Right Side Controls Testing
User Feedback
Conclusion
How to Use SnowVision?
Step 1: Pair Your Device & Select Your Skill Level
Pair Your Device 1
Pair Your Device 2
Select Your Skill Level
Goggles Page
Step 2: Team Up/Compete With Friends
Select Your Resort
Groups Page
Set Up a Group
Profile Page
Step 3: Ride on the Slopes
Wearing the goggle to start journey
Game Mode
Direction Sign
Friends‘ Location Sharing
Check Point
Game Infor
Standard Riding Mode
Step 4: View Your Riding Reports and Share with Friends
View Riding Report
Logbook & Reports
Report Detail
Share With Friends
Next Step
The journey of SnowVision is not just about the product but about building a holistic ecosystem that is designed to grow with its users. By partnering with key stakeholders, organizing events, developing a supportive ecosystem, and ensuring continuous innovation, SnowVision aims to revolutionize the winter sports experience.
Building Partnership
Snow Resorts
Establish partnership with leading snow resorts to gain access to trails, terrains, and amenities for accurate geo-modeling, which helps to get direct access to potential customers, on-ground promotions, and real-world testing environments.
Mapping Companie
Collaborate with geospatial technology companies to ensure accurate, real-time, and interactive maps, which helps to offer users precise mapping data and regular map updates.
Event Collaborations and Promotions
Competitive Snow Events
Organize skiing competitions where participants use SnowVision for a novel racing experience to attract enthusiasts, showcase product capabilities, and generate impact in the community.
Collaborative Resort Events
Collaborate with Resorts to hold exclusive SnowVision days, offering special experiences. These events help to directly market to snow resort users and collect users’ feedback.
Ecosystem Development
Competitive Snow Events
Create a digital space for users to share experiences, offer suggestions, and connect with each other, which strengthens brand loyalty, fosters a sense of community, and provides insights into user needs.
Retail Collaborations
Sporting Goods Stores Product Launches
Collaborate with sporting goods stores for exclusive SnowVision launches, or limited-time offers to target the right users and boost initial sales.
Rental Partnerships at Resorts
Provide SnowVision goggles at partner resorts for trial use to offer firsthand experience to potential buyers and generate rental revenue.