Based in Boston

◉ Currently @ MilliporeSigma

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R+

First Responders Communication

IDA Gold

Reimagining first responder's communication

R+ is a radical new approach to the communication devices used by first responders during their shifts; it reduces the time, error, and weight added by these devices and makes the most fundamental aspect of their duty - communication - always accessible, easy, and understandable.

The objective of R+ is to reduce the physical weight of existing radios and eliminate the need for extra steps, and limbs when operating and communicating with dispatch.

R+ is a reliable new take on first responder communication

Positioning Matters

Instead of having to clip, or be stuffed inside pockets, where the Radio becomes the first to detach from the person of the officer, R+ softly hugs the officer's neck and can always transmit any command with its flexible body.

Positioning Matters

That's Why R Plus Prioritize's

Handsfree operation

Personalized head and shoulder gestures lend R+ to start broadcasting messages to others without the use of hands, helping officers focus better and be more aware of their surroundings.

A simple head tilt, or shoulder shrug will activate R+

That's Why R Plus Prioritize's

Handsfree operation

Personalized head and shoulder gestures lend R+ to start broadcasting messages to others without the use of hands, helping officers focus better and be more aware of their surroundings.

Designed for Duty

R+ is designed for being always present for the officers, while still not coming between them and the task. The compact nature allows it to be worn under uniforms and with other equipment and also doesn't mess with the hair of officers.

Easily fits along with and under existing uniforms / equipment’s

Designed for Duty

Why Radios needed a Re-design

The body is wrapped

Multiple limbs occupied

Need to bow to speak

Key Insight

During Emergencies, it is impractical for officers to lose one of their limbs to communicate.

Key Insight

During Emergencies, it is impractical for officers to lose one of their limbs to communicate.

Key Insight

During Emergencies, it is impractical for officers to lose one of their limbs to communicate.

A single tap to change volume and channels

For Long Time comfort

Flexible construction

A Flexible construction lends the R+ the ability to securely stay on officers’ necks during physically intensive activities while being comfortable and adjustable to different neck sizes.

For Long Time comfort

Flexible construction

A Flexible construction lends the R+ the ability to securely stay on officers’ necks during physically intensive activities while being comfortable and adjustable to different neck sizes.

Soft Fabruc For Long day Comfort

Soft Fabric For Long day Comfort

Simple Control - Avoiding Clutter

Removable Battery for long Shifts

All of the electronic components of R+ are packed toward the back of the body, enabling the body to be flexible where needed.

more than Meets the Eye.

How I got Here

First responder's work involves quick decisions, reactions, and a lot of physical effort

Radios become the best friend for first responders, where staying connected ensures everyone's safety - But using the radio can become cumbersome.

A single tap to change volume and channels

First responder's work involves quick decisions, reactions, and a lot of physical effort

Radios become the best friend for first responders, where staying connected ensures everyone's safety - But using the radio can become cumbersome.

Research Findings

Why existing radios fail in the field

Feels Like a Tank

Bulky radio units, fall off during duty - not designed while keeping the officers in mind

Separated Pieces

Discomfort due to the radio being spread into different pieces across the body

Repeated motion

The same motion is repeated over and over to listen and revert to incoming messages

The Bow

Having to bow down to reach close to the mic in-order to send a clear message

Key Insight

During emergencies it is impractical for officers to lose one of their limbs to communicate.

Key Insight

During emergencies it is impractical for officers to lose one of their limbs to communicate.

Different ideations for understanding the new radio positioning

First Concept

The Body is Wrapped

Multiple limb occupied

Need to bow to speak

Users found the headband design Too overcrowded.

Headbands seemed promising after a thorough ideation process because they were hands-free, didn't interrupt the user, and were in a prime communication location. A simple model and renders helped the user understand the concept during testing.