interactive watch for kids in national parks
01
Brief
Product design 4 project | 2023 Fall | 3 months
In this project, I want to turn national parks into a playground of discovery for kids. Wondergonia is a watch that allows young explorers to have fun in nature while keeping safe.
This is how we envision a perfect family trip:
smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments in nature.
But sometimes, kids don't find these trips as captivating as we'd hope.
A change of perspective is needed...
01
Who
More families go on trips together
In almost a decade, the share of North American campers with children grew by
23%
Source(s): Cairn Consulting; KOA
02
Where
Most families go to National Parks
National Parks were the most visited type of park in the United States in 2021. Overall,
of recreational visits to national sites in the North American country were to national park.
31%
Source(s): Statista Consumer Insights Global as of June 2023
03
How
Hiking is one of the favorite activities
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities . More than
of Americans participated in outdoor recreation at least once, and hiking was among the top activities.
50%
Source(s): the Outdoor Foundation in the U.S.
03
Why Wondergonia?
Most common pain points during family trips are:
kids want to take picture but don’t have phones
kids feel bored while hiking
kids get lost
What if there is a wearable device that makes the experience fun while ensuring safety?
Now
Patagonia is cooperating with National Parks
Patagonia, a company dedicated to saving the planet and outdoor activities, is collaborating with national parks to design Wondergonia, an interactive watch for kids in national parks. Nature education is important for kids’ growth.
interactive watch for kids in national parks
04
Design process
1. User journey during hiking
How can we make these family adventures more fulfilling when kids have fun, and parents feel less worried?
Kids: excited about hiking
Parent: excited but worried kids might get lost or hurt
Kids: excited and energetic exploring surroundings
Parent: worried kids might get lost or hurt
Kids: exhausted and bored
Parent: wants to continue, but kids don’t want to rest
Kids: meeting new friends
Parent: worry kids might be too excited and get lost
2. Concept development
01
Criteria
Fun
Safe
Interaction
03
How it works?
Step 1
• Parent connect with kid's watch
Step 3
• Parents can check kid's location.
• Sensors remind kids to rest and drink water.
Step 2
02
Why a watch?
• Less Intrusive
• Constant Wear (GPS)
• Rapid Photo Capture
• Kids find hidden treasure
• Kids take photos and share with parents
• Kids team up with others
3. More process ...
Step 1:
• Brand Research
Patagonia is a brand that is determined to save the planet.
• Trend & Market
Driven by Patagonia's mission to protect the environment, I research trends and markets. I found a family camping trend reflecting people's realization of the importance of nature education for kids.
• Direction
This inspired me to design a product that enhances family camping trips while educating children about the environment. I focused on creating a fun, safe, and educational tool that encourages young explorers to have fun and connect to nature while ensuring safety and fostering communication between kids and parents.
05
From kids' perspective
How can i play with this watch?
Rapid photo capture
Never miss out on capturing precious memories during their adventures.
• press the sides with thumb and forefinger
• press again to capture the moment
Minimal functions
Three main functions:
• Quick-access camera
• album that automatically shares photos with parents
• GPS tracking
• health reminders for hydration and rest.
Meet different characters and team up
Unique interactive experience:
• Each child chooses a character.
• Unlock unique tasks and awards by teaming up with other kids who have selected different characters.
Find hidden treasure & Unlock awards
• team up and start exciting treasure hunts with companions.
• find hidden treasures and interact with specific elements to unlock awards and win small gifts.
• while playing, kids learn about nature, including background on particular species and geological knowledge.
06
From parents' perspective
How can i make sure my kid is safe and having fun?
Connect with kids’ watch
Parents connect with the watch through the app throughout the adventure ensuring safety and peace of mind
Check kids' location &
See kids’ perspective of nature
• parents can track kids' location and view photos taken by kids
• mages can be liked, downloaded, and added to a family album directly from the app
Sensors to track health data and remind kids to drink water and take rest
• sensors on the back to monitor children's health data
• remind kids to take breaks and drink water, especially when they're too excited in exploration to remember to rest.
• in case of an accident, the watch will alert parents immediately
07
Watch design details
Exploded View
• innovative watch structure
• changeable strap
• protective shell
08
CMF
Momo
Lili
Bubu
Coco
Zuzu
08
Self Reflection
- Key moment: Professor Joseph encouraged me to discuss ideas spontaneously instead of in scheduled weekly updates, enhancing speed and efficiency.
- Key learnings: I learned to use SolidWorks for model iterations, a quicker and more precise way of ideation than 2D sketching. Also I learned the importance of open communication and effective collaboration in design.
