EOS
Smart Snow Goggle with Visual Assistance for All
[drag mouse to play around with the model here]
OVERVIEW
Credit: [ID direction, User testing, Market research, CMF, Modeling, Prototyping]
EOS is a smart snow goggle concept developed to reimagine the construction and user experience of wearable technology in snow sports. Created as part of Instructor John White’s Design Studio 2 course, this collaborative team project focuses on enhancing both user safety and recreational value for skiers of all experience levels. The design aims to make smart snow gear more intuitive, accessible, and beneficial on the slopes.
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USER RESEARCH
Skiing and other snow sports represent a growing market, particularly among younger demographics. This presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skiing experience through the integration of smart devices.
User interviews and co-design workshops revealed two key insights: beginners often feel frustrated when skiing alongside more experienced companions, while advanced users seek greater challenge and excitement during their runs. These findings informed the direction of the design and its core user-centered features.
Magnetic clipping near edge, we noticed that goggle film deteriorates through use.
Boyu (Steven) claims that his goggles have seen enough scratches.
Describe your image
Magnetic clipping near edge, we noticed that goggle film deteriorates through use.
HEURESTIC EXPLORATION
Through extensive testing of snow sport gear, we identified key user pain points and opportunities for enhancement. Guided by these findings, the team chose to focus on goggles as the platform for smart wearable integration, due to their direct role in vision, safety, and communication.
IDEATION
An initial round of ideation sketches explored form and user interaction. The final design diverged from conventional goggles, featuring a bold curved surface that enhanced aesthetics while efficiently accommodating internal smart components.
Cleaned up surfacing featuring continuous, clean surface.
Inconsistent surfacing shown via zebra tool.
Slightly improved surfacing shown via zebra tool, slight inconsistency in middle section of the model.
Cleaned up surfacing featuring continuous, clean surface.
MODEL ITERATIONS
A smooth, unified exterior was essential in defining the texture and visual language of the EOS goggles. Significant effort was dedicated to refining the surface quality, with six iterations modeled and tested in RHINO 3D before finalizing the signature curvature.
The image above highlights key design iterations (3 major versions), where ZEBRA analysis was used to assess surface continuity and ensure a seamless, high-quality finish.
Sanding off additional bits to smooth out the printed shell.
Coating the rough model with spray paint to better resemble the renderings.
Secondary accent color selection in progress.
Sanding off additional bits to smooth out the printed shell.
PROTOTYPING
A series of prototypes were developed to validate the fit and ergonomics of the goggles. A subtle warm white color was chosen for the final presentation. This warmer tone helped convey a more human-centered and approachable design language.
LITE MODE
[Minimizes display for a more immersive experience.]
PRO MODE
[Displays detailed real-time data such as speed and altitude, enhancing situational awareness.]
INTERFACE & INTERACTION
Two display modes were developed for the project: a Lite mode for users seeking a minimal, streamlined experience with core functions, and a Pro mode for performance-driven users who require access to detailed data and advanced features.
[Side control buttons, allows user interaction with smart functions]
[Click on image to enhance, renderings courtesy of Yifan Hou]
FINALIZED RENDERINGS & FUNCTIONAL CALLOUTS
The final presentation showcased a front and rear sensor module designed to help users detect obstacles and approaching skiers. A dual-lens structure was implemented, featuring an inner lens for advanced display functions and an expandable outer lens for adaptability in varying conditions.
Future development will focus on reducing the size of the front optical module and integrating a detachable power source to further improve comfort, usability, and maintenance.
[The outer lens module features a magnetic clipping mechanism, allowing users to easily swap module based on lighting conditions and personal preferences.]
