[ u-play* helmet ]
proposal
the u-play* is a modular bicycle helmet that provides safety & comfort when touring and aerodynamics during a time-trial.
inspiration & drivers
after a helmet saved my life in france at the end of 2021, this personal project is a homage to the industry. semantic cues for a helmet that appears airy & lightweight, with details that emphasise the protective thickness and robustness. the design balances a piercing streamline form with soft edge treatments to keep it both precise and approachable.
aerodynamic visor
the helmet includes an aerodynamic visor that can attach onto the helmet when the priority is speed rather than ventilation.
the visor attachment clips simply onto the crown with 4 simple snap holes along the side. the visor is not only used for aerodynamics, but is also to protect the user’s head from the natural elements when riding in rain, sleet or snow.
emergency response
in the case of my head injury that left me hospitalised, i was left with no short term memory of the last few years, this meant i didn’t even know my phone password to reach emergency contacts. with the u-play* helmet, if the user is involved in a collision that has left them needing medical assistance, the back of the helmet houses a qr code that can be accessed by first-response to bring up the user’s personal information, medical history and emergency contacts.
materials
the shock-absorbing liner consists of a recycled expanded polystyrene (eps) foam and the outer shell is a recycled transparent polycarbonate. the transparent shell exposes the protective eps beneath it and frames it as the focal point of the colour & material. the highlight teal burst coming from the branded polyester straps.
