A product design student at Loughborough University has developed a navigation device that allows visually impaired competitive swimmers to train safely.
The product, developed by final year product design student Mirthe Hofstede, removes the need for a ‘tapper,’ a person such as a coach who warns a swimmer when they are close to the edge of the pool, or when they need to turn, by tapping them with a long foam-ended pole. If a signal is given too early or late, it can lead to a swimmer being disqualified or injured.
What is included with the device?
Using infrared beams and ultrasonic technology, Optic detects a swimmer’s distance away from the pool wall and whether they are swimming in the middle of the lane.
It is comprised of two sensor-containing components: a collapsible device that adheres to the pool wall via suction, and a wearable device that attaches to a pair of goggles.
How does the Optic device communicate with the swimmer?
The sensors communicate information to the swimmer via the wearable device, which utilizes bone conduction hearing.
It counts down how far away a swimmer is from touching the wall and instructs them on how to stay in the middle of the lane, an issue visually impaired swimmers face as they cannot see the black line at the bottom of the pool that helps swimmers with sight stay in position.
Hofstede created the product based on feedback shared by visually impaired swimmers and coaches.
She has prototyped a visual and electronic version of Optic, and has found the infrared, ultrasonic, and bone conduction hearing technology operates accurately in a pool environment and gives swimmers detailed feedback.
What does the future hold for the Optic device?
Now Hofstede hopes to further develop the product through user testing with swimmers, trainers, and competition staff.
Hofstede said: “I hope to one day see Optic being used in both training and competition environments in the future.
“By making Optic available to all swimmers, swimming competition rules can be changed and make Optic a necessary piece of racing equipment for visually impaired swimmers.
“I want to reduce the level of stress visually impaired swimmers and their coaches currently feel throughout their swimming experience.
Hofstede is showcasing Optic as part of the Degree Show 2021 at Loughborough.
