Type II PFD

UNIVERSITY 2012

WWU + Extrasport

A three month project to update the design language, color choice, and user interface of personal flotation devices (PFD) with Extrasport designers as guides. I chose to focus on a female-specific model with color, comfort, and safety in mind.

Sketches

Research included color trends, interviews with professionals, ergonomic testing, and like-products comparisons, from which several concepts were developed. The top two were then combined to create the final design.

Color Trend Research

Using color trends of other outdoor apparel, three popular palette possibilities were created. The cranberry palette was chosen as a more mature update for the standard "Barbie" pink of many women's products.

Technical Layout

Technical layouts like the ones sent to manufacturers were created.

Prototyping Foam

Cutting foam for initial prototype model

Prototype Model #1

Initial prototype model (front)

Prototype Model #1

Initial prototype (open)

Cutting foam for final prototype

Foam Layouts

Layouts of foam for final prototype

Patterning

Making patterns for cloth foam covers. The contrasting blue color was used to call attention to adjustment points like clips and zippers.

Sewing

Sewing in neoprene panels between the foam

Sewing in the reflective piping.

Donning

Donning process (step 1)

Lower 'belt' of foam creates support for the bust

Donning

Donning process (step 2)

Top panel of foam stretches over bust and clips at the bottom to secure. Neoprene inserts between the foam pieces ensure a stretchy and comfortable fit.

Back view

Front view

Side view