Wristband Design for Pool Safety System : Redesign of Multifunctional Wearables for Drowning Detection

Sammanfattning: Every year, people are injured or even drowns in pools all over the world. Even in pools with monitoring lifeguards, accidents happen. One reason for submerge injuries or drownings is that they often are silent, which make incidents hard to detect. Lately, more reliable systems for pool surveillance have entered the market: Technology ranging from camera monitoring systems to wearables that detects if a person lying lifeless in the pool. This to, ensure good safety for bathing visitors around the world and make the work of the lifeguards easier. This master thesis project regards the development of a new wristband for a Pool Safety and Drowning Detection System. This involved studying the system, investigate the involved stakeholders, gather information about the current wristband and analyse the current situation. However, the primary focus for this master thesis project has been to create and design a; “One-size fit all” wristband, based on human measures, a more robust design, and with a higher resistance against wear. The master thesis project is done with Sentag AB as clients together with third party developers. Sentag´s system includes three sizes of wristband, sensors in the water to pick up signals, and a central unit from where the system is operated. When the alarm is triggered the wristband sends a signal in the water which the sensors pick up, and pass the information to the central unit, which notifies the lifeguards. Also, the wristbands contain a RFID tag which allows the user to use the wristband as a key card which can be used for lockers, make payments, and passing gates. Sentag aims to be a leader in high quality drowning detection technology on an international market. They want to improve their product to reach a broader market and prevent accidents. The project has followed a human-centred design process to understand the perspective of the lifeguards who operate the system, and also to better understand the users wearing the wristband. The project was performed in five phases, starting with a Project Plan and Research, followed by Context Immersion, Ideation, and Implementation. The work is based on demands form Sentag and third party consultants and findings from the Context Immersion phase where the team interviewed and observed stakeholders, analysed the system, and investigated materials. The team worked iterative within each phase, meaning the methods were repeated if necessary. In the Ideation phase the creative work was performed, and in Implementation phase were prototypes and evaluations performed to find a final solution. The project resulted in a “one-size fit all” wristband concept, which can be worn by people from three years upwards. The new design consists of several parts, most of which is a soft wristband casing, which protects the technology unit against wear and scratches. It is now possible to replace the bracelet without tools, which previously required and exposed electronics. The work presented in 3D visualizations and 3D printed prototype.