A wearable technology that simplifies trail navigation, right at your waist.

TEAM

Samantha Popek, Tyler Storz, Mary Bekova, Madeline Boyd

SKILLS

User Experience Design, User Interviews, Primary and Secondary Research, Low and High-Fidelity Prototyping.

TIMELINE:

Sep 2024 - Nov 2024

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Our prototype is a smart belt designed to enhance the trail navigation experience in nature parks by providing hands-free navigation, safety alerts, and essential hiking information. The belt is made from an elastic, comfortable material and includes:

  • Detachable Display Screen: Used for selecting trails and providing key information about the hike, such as trail conditions, distance, and difficulty level.

  • Lighting System: NeoPixel LEDs that provide navigation guidance through directional lighting, as well as automatic light adjustment based on ambient conditions.

  • Sensors: Photoresistors to detect light levels for automatic lighting adjustment, and a buzzer to provide vibration feedback for navigation cues and off-trail alerts.

We are developing the prototype with Arduino software, using NeoPixel LEDs, photoresistors, and an OLED display to simulate interactions. When users reach a fork in the trail, the lights provide guidance on the direction, while the buzzer vibrates to signal upcoming turns or deviations.

BACKGROUND

Problem Statement

WHAT I DID

I interviewed park rangers to learn about hikers’ needs and common issues on trails, which helped us decide which features our smart belt should have. Then, I sketched simple prototypes to figure out the best way to include a display, lights, and sensors in the design. I created user stories to capture how hikers might use the belt, which guided our design decisions. Finally, I worked with my team to build the prototype, helping assemble the belt and set up its key features.

Hikers in the Bloomington area struggle with trail navigation because existing tools, like smartphone apps and paper maps, have significant limitations. These tools can be distracting, unreliable in remote locations, and do not provide real-time updates on weather or trail conditions. Hikers need a hands-free, real-time navigation solution that offers location tracking, safety alerts, and comfort for extended hikes. Without such a system, they risk getting lost, encountering unexpected hazards, or being unprepared for sudden weather changes.

Park Rangers & Authorities

TOOLS USED

Arduino Software and Miro

Focus Groups

Students

Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Park Rangers/Authorities: The smart belt helps rangers by reducing lost hikers and improving trail safety, making their work easier.

  • Students: The belt offers a learning tool for students interested in technology and encourages time in nature, which can boost mental health by reducing stress and improving mood.

  • Local Outdoor Enthusiasts: For hikers and outdoor lovers, the smart belt enhances trail experiences by providing navigation and safety support, helping them feel more confident and connected to nature.

User Interviews

As a team, we divided the tasks for conducting interviews. I conducted a phone interview with Park Ranger Matthew Coloney, who provided valuable insights and feedback on the smart belt, along with additional comments. Below are some of the questions asked, along with his responses:

Personas

Our team created personas to better understand the needs and preferences of our target users for the smart belt. Ultimately, these personas help our team prioritize features that improve navigation, provide safety alerts, and enhance the overall hiking experience. By focusing on a user profile, our team ensures that the smart belt will be functional, user-friendly, and meet the needs of actual hikers on the trails.

Here below are the personas we’ve created:

Low-Fidelity Prototype

The low-fidelity prototype of the smart belt consists of a basic setup with a detachable screen, lighting adjustments, vibration feedback, and a speaker. The detachable screen displays essential information like trail names, distance, and difficulty levels. The belt features NeoPixel LEDs that simulate light adjustments, changing based on ambient light levels. Vibration feedback is provided through a buzzer to alert users about turns or deviations from the trail, and a speaker is used to simulate audio cues for additional guidance. This prototype is designed to test and refine these core features before developing the final version of the smart belt.

User Interactions

  • Users can activate the speakers by gesturing or moving their body in specific ways, like raising a hand or tapping the belt. 

  • The belt detects light levels automatically when it gets dark. The front lights turn on without any user input, they can adjust the brightness level on the screen of the vest or give commands directly like “Lower Brightness”.

  • As users walk or hike and change elevation, the barometer continuously tracks air pressure. Users can receive notifications or alerts on the watch about potential weather changes.

  • Users can speak commands directly into the belt, allowing for hands-free operation. For example, they might say “Brighten light levels,” “Check weather,” or “Play music”.

Miro Diagram

Affordances (Capabilities of the Smart Belt)

  1. Hands-Free Navigation: The belt offers a hands-free solution, allowing hikers to receive guidance without having to look at or handle a device, which is especially useful on challenging trails.

  2. Real-Time Alerts and Adjustments: The smart belt provides immediate feedback through vibrations, lighting adjustments, and audio cues, making it easier for hikers to stay on course, avoid hazards, and be aware of changes in their environment.

  3. Comfortable, Wearable Design: Made from elastic and lightweight materials, the smart belt is comfortable for long hikes and minimizes the need for bulky or handheld navigation devices.

Limitations (Current Constraints of the Smart Belt)

  1. Battery Life Constraints: The belt’s battery life may not yet be sufficient for longer hikes, limiting its practicality for users who need extended power for all-day or multi-day trips.

  2. Occasional Navigation Inaccuracy: The prototype may still show occasional issues with navigation precision, which could impact user confidence in its guidance on complex trails or in remote areas.

  3. Alert Timing Sensitivity: Some delays in alert responsiveness might make it challenging for users to quickly adapt to sudden changes in direction or unexpected trail conditions

Final Prototype

We chose the belt design for its balance between functionality and comfort. Unlike a watch or vest, the belt offers users multiple features—such as a screen, lights, and tactile alerts—without feeling bulky or cumbersome. Made from soft, flexible material, the belt remains comfortable during long hikes while providing real-time feedback and alerts through lights and vibration, reducing dependency on handheld devices and enabling a reliable and hands-free hiking experience. This design also aligns well with the project goals of discreet, reliable navigation and safety features for hikers in varied trail conditions.

Implementation Challenges

Attaching all of the technical components directly to the belt material proved more challenging than expected. While we successfully implemented most of the desired features, adding waterproof pockets presented difficulties due to limited access to specialized materials and resources. Implementing the detachable screen with responsive coding for navigation updates also proved complex, and we’re focusing on refining this feature for smooth usability.


Usability Specifications Table

Performance Goals

  • Navigation: Users should feel confident navigating without needing a map or phone, reaching their destination without taking wrong turns.

  • Lighting: Users should feel that the lighting is effective and reliable when it gets dark, automatically adjusting to light changes without manual effort.

  • Usability: New users should understand how to use the main features (detaching the screen, reading directions, and using the lights) with minimal guidance in under 5 minutes.

  • Comfort and Wearability: Users should be able to wear the belt for 4+ hours without discomfort.

  • Reliability: Users should complete their hike without the belt losing power, malfunctioning, or requiring adjustments.