Sting Self Defense Tool
A self defense tool for women
Safety is a daily concern for women. And when exercising, women put themselves in an even more vulnerable position. Sting is a self defense tool that enables women to have more independence in their daily lives. Whether in the busy city, or out in the woods, they can be confident of their own safety and abilities.
73%
women run with a phone for safety
According to a survey taken by Runner’s World Magazine in 2017: Running While Female
71%
share their plans with others for safety
54%
worry about being assaulted on a run
Research
Survey
I’m part of a running group on Facebook, so early on in my research I sent out a survey to this group of women to get their overall feelings about their safety, especially their feelings when they’re working out. These women shared concerns about being hurt by people, as well as animals.
Focus Group
After my survey, I was able to organize a focus group with local women to hear about their workout and safety habits. The biggest insight from this conversation was the feeling of safety these women found while in community, or in spaces where they knew their neighbors well.
There is a gap in the market.
While are both contact and non contact safety tools, such as mace and personal tracking devices, but nothing that really bridges the gap between the two.
Defense
All the women I spoke with wanted to be able to defend themselves first and foremost, even above tracking, but also found tracking comforting.
Adaptability
Since working out can be uncomfortable these women wanted something that can be worn comfortably in various situations, and adaptable to different types of activity.
Community
The women I spoke to described a feeling of safety that comes from their community. They felt the safe when they knew there were people looking out for them.
How might we create a tool that is comfortable to carry, provides safety from a variety of threats, tracks location and aids is self defense?
Concept Iteration
Task Analysis - Market Pepper Spray
Unclip
A clip secures the spray to the person. This clip requires two hands to release.
This clip is problematic since it requires two hands to release.
Pull
After the clip is released, the spray can be prepared for use.
A hand repositioning must happen here.
Adjust
The spray it needs to be adjusted and have the safety turned off before use.
This step requires repositioning and safety adjustment.
Spray
Once the spray is held properly, it can be used for self defense.
The risk of the user spraying themselves is very high.
Interaction Iterations
Rotate and Pull
Press Fit Pull
Twist and Pull
Once I began focusing on a hand held device interaction became a crucial part of the process. I started to develop and test what interaction would help the user line up the spray device consistently, since spraying themselves is a serious concern with this type of tool.
3D Print Prototypes
Using 3D printing I was able to test the viability of the two most promising interactions.
Twist and Pull
This ended up being the more viable option because of the level of intentionality it requires, and it ensures the spray is facing the correct way every time.
Pinch and Pull
This option was less ideal since it forced the user to readjust their grip after pulling the spray out of the clip. This increases the chance of accidental self spraying.
Can color help
tell
the story?
With a focus on aesthetics and further solidifying the interaction through color and materials I tried to use color to indicate important features and touch points.
Sting
Self Defense Tool
Features
Help is just a moment away
As soon as the Sting is used an alert goes out to emergency contacts with the users location. These emergency contacts can then reach out, or contact authorities. The indicator light on the top of Sting will glow, letting the user know that help is on the way!
Real Time Location Tracking
Emergency Alert Goes to Contacts
Quick Options for Contacts
Wearability
This specially designed clip allows Sting to be worn in a variety of ways.
Grip
The designed clip ensures that when the user grabs Sting it is appropriately aimed in their hand.
Twist
Twisting Sting forces intentionality to help ensure the user doesn’t accidentally Sting.
Break
By pulling Sting from it’s clip the user breaks protective pins, which then send out the safety alert.
Spray
Sting is now ready to spray or punch with, and the alert signal has been sent to all contacts.
Accurate Defense
The combination of a spray and punch piece allows for women to defend themselves in different scenarios.
Adaptability
The clip allows for a comfortable fit that adapts to whatever activity the user wants, whether running, walking, or hiking.
Sense of Community
Location tracking connects the user to their loved ones, providing a feeling of safety through the sense of community.
Any questions about this project? Or want to get to know me more? I’m happy to answer! Please reach out!