Industrial - Bachelors

FitSafe

Fit safe is a safety alarm tailored for runners, using a community-powered app to create safer routes. It reroutes paths based on real-time safety updates from users and will notify others in case of danger. FitSafe empowers women to exercise confidently and securely.

Henry Hughes

Fitsafe walkthrough VIDeo

Background

Many women face safety concerns while running alone, especially in unfamiliar or secluded areas. Fear of harassment, assault or unsafe conditions often limits the freedom these women have to exercise. Current safety apps lack real-time, community-driven insights specific to running. This gap highlights the need for a tool that not only provides safe route options but also builds a connected community to enhance safety for women on-the-go.
Current safety apps lack real-time, community-driven insights specific to running. This gap highlights the need for a tool that not only provides safe route options but also builds a connected community to enhance safety for women on-the-go.

Process

The development of FitSafe began with extensive user research, including interviews and surveys, to understand the specific safety concerns women face while running. Insights from this qualitative data informed the key features, such as an alarm that is easy to reach, which includes a strobe light and speaker for immediate deterrence. Additionally, The FitSafe app was prototyped and tested additionally to the bag. Together the app and safety waist bag empower women with extremely accessible safety tools while fostering a supportive running community.

In context

Quick Release Pull-Pin Mechanism

The pull pin mechanism was chosen for the FitSafe waist bag to ensure quick and easy activation during emergencies. Positioned on the outside of the bag for maximum accessibility, allowing users to activate it without needing to search or ruffle. Unlike buttons that are difficult to find and press under stress, the pull pin offers a straightforward, intuitive way to trigger the alarm with minimal effort. This design also reduces the risk of accidental activation, while providing a reliable, tactile response in moments when reaction time is critical. By simply pulling the pin, the user instantly activates the strobe light and speaker, creating a non-violent, immediate deterrent and drawing the attention of bystanders to their location.

Built for running

The bag is made from polyester for its durability, lightweight nature, and water-resistant properties, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities like running. Polyester is also very breathable, adding comfort for the wearer.

The alarm housing is constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) due to its strength, impact resistance, and ability to protect sensitive electronics in harsh conditions. HDPE ensures that the alarm remains durable and functional even during high stress activities or potential falls, providing long-lasting reliability in emergencies.

App pages

Research report

Name
Research Report
File Type
application
File Size
1 MB
Download File

The Bag

Henry Hughes

Henry Hughes is a dedicated third-year industrial design student passionate about innovation. Driven by a commitment to sustainable solutions and user-centered design, their work explores how design can empower communities.