DIA LEI DESIGN

LOS

Line of Sight is a smart earpiece that uses cognitive microwave radar technology to identify a threat before it happens!

Prompt: Design for a survival or disaster situation.

Problem

Mass shootings are becoming a normal occurrence in our country and around the world. Whether it's a school, a concert hall or a grocery store people now have to second guess their safety when they go out. As a society we now have to live with the reality that a shooting could happen at any moment.

The Stats

As of March 4, 2019 there have been 1,242 deaths caused by mass shootings in the U.S.
At least 333 guns have been used in mass shootings.
The 9MM semi-automatic handgun is the most used weapon.
Over 50% of shooters die at the scene, often by killing themselves.
Age ranges from 20- 49 years old and all but 3 were male.

To view more information on this click here or the image below.

Screenshot_2020-04-20 More than 50 years

Just to name a few...

Pulse nightclub shooting, 2016: 49 killed

Virginia tech shooting, 2007: 32 killed

Sutherland springs, texas church shooting, 2017: 27 killed

Sandy hook shooting, 2012: 26 killed (20 of being children)

San bernardino shooting, 2015: 14 killed

Aurora, colorado shooting, 2012: 12 killed

Sadly the list continues…

Worst mass shooting to date

Mandalay bay shooting, 2017: killing 58 people

Shooter managed to sneak at least 23 guns into the hotel by storing them in different suitcases.

Since he was somewhat of a regular no one seemed to suspect or notice that he brought in a different suitcase each day.

Mandalay-Bay-security-guard-was-shot-six

Hypothesis

Identifying the threat beforehand can prevent public shootings from even happening and reduce mass casualties if one should occur.

Understanding the scenarios

At first I chose to sketch out several scenarios that could happen before, during and after a mass shooting. I did this in order to help me decide which area I wanted to focus on.

After exploring many different scenarios, I chose to focus on preventative measures which resulted in my top three scenarios.

Detect hidden weapons

Scans for suspect in area

Initial sketches

I started off with different concepts sketches spanning from alarm posts that go off when the gunman is near to walkie talkies that scan for concealed weapons.

My direction

I decided to pursue the small triangle-like ear piece because it is discreet, small, portable and familiar to use.

walkie talkie

earpieces are more discreet

small arrow shape wearable

Testing the Mock-ups

I made initial mock-ups to play with shape but once I chose my final direction I made two final mock-ups to test size for different ears.

Once I chose the right size I started to focus on the little details of the ear piece like the internal cushion shape, the button and the placement of the node.