DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
Orkus is workout and training device worn and used by swimmers that turns any body of water into an infinite pool. By propelling the swimmer in the opposite direction they are swimming Orkus operates like a treadmill allowing the swimmer to train in non Olympic pools.
My Role:
Industrial Design
UX Design
Physical Product
App Development
Design Direction
Designed to be the Peleton of the pool, Orkus's main goal was to give users the ability to workout and train how they needed.
Using two reverse thrusting motors, Orkus needed a form factor and design that gave swimmers the results without getting in the way.
CREATED BY SWIMMERS FOR SWIMMERS
Biomimicry is the design of product using organic and naturally occurring evolutions.
With name like Orkus, drawing inspiration from the mammal themselves, I used a sleek shell and colorways to match.
BIOMIMICRY
RESULTS DRIVEN
Workouts today require immediate results. Having a companion app that relays instant results while allowing users to go back and review their history as well as plan for upcoming workouts and set goals, is key for the success of Orkus and it's users.
User Experience for physical products needs to give user the feedback in a number of ways.
By turning the dial, the user can control the speed in the water or on land.
UX DESIGN
Operating the device in a analog way gave the user the ability to turn on the device, turn off the device and also gave the user an emergency shut off.
Being in control and having the instant ability to shut off the device is an important safety feature that was built in to the form and placed in an easy to access location.
ANALOG CONTROLS
DEVELOPMENT OF FORM FACTOR
DESIGN SKETCHES CENTERED AROUND HUMAN FORM AND THE USER
Centered around the user of Orkus and they way they'll be using the device, it was important to make sure the user was unobstructed while swimming but also had controls in an easy location.
FULL SIZE PROTOTYPE
Building a full size prototype is important to see the relative size, weight and ergonomics in real time.
ELECTRONIC TESTING
Fitting the actual components, testing the components and verifying output is also a big step in prototyping.
ERGONIMICS
Checking the ergonomics and functions can sometimes only be accomplished with full size models.
After form development and fitting electronic components, and testing ergonomics, the form and assembly was finalized and ready for manufacturing.
FINAL DESIGN
