What we did
We ideated, sketched, constructed prototypes, employed human-centered design methodologies in user interviews and prototype testing, created visual representations, and designed a final product. I fabricated the final product.
A note from Kyle
“Thanks again for all of your work with the rigid tether. You three were amazing to work with both in terms of process, accountability, and knowledge. I used the tether during 50ks the past two weekends and it is a HUGE game changer. I am so much more relaxed knowing that I am running pretty much in line with my guides...It is wonderful knowing that I have this great resource to make my running more enjoyable.”
– Kyle
Project Story
Many visually impaired (VI) runners run with a sighted guide. Sighted guides assist VI runners by providing verbal cues as they run together. Often runners and guides run side by side holding a soft tether—a piece of rope or shoelace—as a safeguard against unexpected obstacles. However for Kyle, an experienced long-distance trail runner who is visually impaired, soft tethers are insufficient on 100 mile trail races. Trails are too narrow to run side by side and there are too many obstacles on trails for Kyle to feel safe relying solely on verbal communication. We worked with Kyle to build a better tool for guided running. In two months we ideated, built, and tested ten prototypes. Kyle’s feedback and direction informed our final design for a rigid tether which we built and he now uses.
