Industrial - Bachelor

Virgil

Virgil was developed to lessen motorcyclist's exposure to risks that go unperceived. Equipping a user with "eyes on the back of their head" Virgil provides riders with precognitive warnings of hazards that may escalate into more dire outcomes.

Justin Smith

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Virgil

It’s quicker than you think!

A low angle perspective render of the device.
Projections of soundwaves emit from the device located on the back of a motorcyclist's helmet and deform about a car positioned behind the motorcycle.

Look Out!

Virgil assesses hazards presented to the user using SONAR to gauge speed and distance of incoming objects relative to the rider. Using these points a motorcyclist can be forewarned of unrecognised dangers 3 seconds ahead of a collision, providing invaluable time to react and evade.

‘…haptic alerts have been proven extremely effective at capturing and directing attention while minimising annoyance and distraction.”

– Caroline Kingsley, 2020
An X ray render of the device's mounting plate outlining the flexible tabs used to couple to the back of a helmet.

Like a Glove

Designed to be universally mount to most standard motorcycle helmets, Virgil offers flexibility and ease of use to riders. The ‘foot’ is made from pliable EPDM rubber, allowing continuous contact of the adhered surface following the varying profiles of different helmets regardless of size, brand, or features. Once helmet becomes non-compliant due to age or use, the device can be simply transplanted to the replacement helmet.
An exploded view of the device mounted to the back of a motorcycle helmet.
An overlay of eye tracking software used to analyse participant's gaze patterns during research phase.

Keeping an eye out

With data recovered directly from riders, the motorcycling community had significant stake in the in the functions and features of Virgil. Research participants were gathered for gaze-tracking observation sessions where footage of typical could be analysed for points of visual interest. The findings had indicated that hazards that remain unrecognised tend to escalate into uncontrollable risks as little opportunity to react or intervene exists.

Live Wire

Beyond the convenience of easy installation, removal, and charging the device comes safety. Protecting motorcyclists extends beyond warnings of unseen hazards, it involves real world considerations for the devices use. Electrical subsystems are protected by water-tight housing to protect from ingress of foreign material to remain consistent with AS 60529. Virgil is powered by a 5 volt power source, keeping risks of surging to a minimum as per IEC 62133 standards. The arc of the LED allows for line of sight when horizontal to the user ensuring maximum visibility of the device at all angles.
In context render of device being used by a motorcyclist from a following car's perspective.

Justin Smith

Justin Smith is a Brisbane-based Industrial Designer fueled by desire to make a difference within the automotive sector. With experience in manufacture, computer-aided design, and development he strives to create impactful design that see real world use.

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