Sportswear - Protective Eyewear
Year
2024
Skills
Design for Anatomy & Ergonomics
3D Prototyping
Human Centered Design Research
Maxillary and eye injuries are the most common injuries in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA. They can lead to long lasting, career influencing injuries, and can cost professional success.
HALO is a comfortable, protective, and aesthetically pleasing face-mask for basketball is at the professional and collegiate levels.
A Proven Problem
Maxillary and eye injuries are the most common injuries in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA.
Professional Concerns
Players fear protection will impair their peripheral vision, or that fog and sweat will cloud their vision.
Flawed Available Solutions
Players do not have access to a universally protective solution for eye and face contact available in a single product.
A Proven Problem
Maxillary and eye injuries are the most common injuries in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA.
Professional Concerns
players fear protection will impair their peripheral vision, or that fog and sweat will cloud their vision.
Flawed Available Solutions
Players do not have access to a universally protective solution for eye and face contact available in a single product.
Research Question
Research Question
How can facial and eye injuries, throughout the spectrum of lacerations to fractures be prevented in the game of basketball, whilst ensuring maximum performance and comfort?
How can facial and eye injuries, throughout the spectrum of lacerations to fractures be prevented in the game of basketball, whilst ensuring maximum performance and comfort?
Missed games, absence resulted in an average of one lost win
Missed games, absence resulted in an average of one lost win
0 Games
Eye injuries cost in lost productivity
Eye injuries cost in lost productivity
$0.0 Million
$0.0 Million
This study did not include playoff revenue, which can gross more than $100 million
This study did not include playoff revenue, which can gross more than $100 million
$0 Million
$0 Million
The Prevalence of Fractures
In 2023, A total of 233 injuries were quantified, with a total of 206 players missing games due to facial injuries. 151 of them were fractures (61%) , 61 were soft tissue injuries (29%).
The Prevalence of Fractures
In 2023, A total of 233 injuries were quantified, with a total of 206 players missing games due to facial injuries. 151 of them were fractures (61%) , 61 were soft tissue injuries (29%).
61%Fractures
29%Soft Tissue
Abrasions or lacerations to eyelid
50.9%
Contusions (edema and/or ecchymosis) to eyelid
28.8%
Corneal abrasions
11.9%
Orbital fractures
5.1%
Abrasions or lacerations to eyelid
50.9%
Contusions (edema and/or ecchymosis) to eyelid
28.8%
Corneal abrasions
11.9%
Orbital fractures
5.1%
Eye Specific Injuries in the NBA
Of the 1092 injuries sustained by NBA players during the 17-month period of the 1992-1993 seasons, 59 involved eyes (exlcuding face fractures). The locations of each eye specific injury were tracked.
Eye Specific Injuries in the NBA
Of the 1092 injuries sustained by NBA players during the 17-month period of the 1992-1993 seasons, 59 involved eyes (exlcuding face fractures). The locations of each eye specific injury were tracked.
Eye Specific Injuries in the NBA
Of the 1092 injuries sustained by NBA players during the 17-month period of the 1992-1993 seasons, 59 involved eyes (exlcuding face fractures). The locations of each eye specific injury were tracked.
Player Performance Cost
53 NBA players who sustained facial fractures between 1984 and 2018 were identified.
Players with pre- and post injury statistics were analyzed and compared to understand decline in their performance metrics after facial/eye injury recovery.
Many of these players missed playing time due to their injuries and subsequent performance loss.
Player Performance Cost
53 NBA players who sustained facial fractures between 1984 and 2018 were identified.
Players with pre- and post injury statistics were analyzed and compared to understand decline in their performance metrics after facial/eye injury recovery.
Many of these players missed playing time due to their injuries and subsequent performance loss.
3 Point Percentage
Post Injury
Pre Injury
22.83 (-2.70%)25.53
Blocks per Game
Post Injury
Pre Injury
0.70 (-0.04%)0.74
Box Plus/Minus
Post Injury
Pre Injury
1.18 (-0.23%)1.41
Prioritizing user comfort and security.
206 player injuries were synthesized to understand the most at-risk contact points to be protected.
Anatomical research drove further understanding of tolerances, and ergonomic measurements to guide a universal solution.
Prioritizing user comfort and security.
206 player injuries were synthesized to understand the most at-risk contact points to be protected.
Anatomical research drove further understanding of tolerances, and ergonomic measurements to guide a universal solution.
The Injury "affected my performance due to the mask I had to wear to protect my nose…It took away all peripheral vision”.
Liz 19F: Basketball Player of 11 Years
The Injury "affected my performance due to the mask I had to wear to protect my nose…It took away all peripheral vision”.
Liz 19F: Basketball Player of 11 Years
“Recovery is long...Patients value comfort over anything else”.
“Keeping the product and wound clean is the most important”...
David: Optical Prosthetic Designer
“Recovery is long...Patients value comfort over anything else”.
“Keeping the product and wound clean is the most important”...
David: Optical Prosthetic Designer
"NBA facial fractures are more commonly seen than in any other full-contact
sport such as football or ice hockey. This is, in large part, due to lack of standardized protective
facial gear during play.”
FORBES 2023
"NBA facial fractures are more commonly seen than in any other full-contact
sport such as football or ice hockey. This is, in large part, due to lack of standardized protective
facial gear during play.”
FORBES 2023
Form Understanding.
A 3D model of the mask was created using a scale reference scan of a middle-aged male adult. This scan is representative of a scale model that includes fully fleshed organics.
The tolerance between male and female skulls is most prevalent in the areas of the nasal cavity and brow width.
Form Understanding.
A 3D model of the mask was created using a scale reference scan of a middle-aged male adult. This scan is representative of a scale model that includes fully fleshed organics.
The tolerance between male and female skulls is most prevalent in the areas of the nasal cavity and brow width.
Technicality & Ergonomics.
The amount of flexion needed for the model has been deduced to ~8.00 mm in both positive and negative directions.
The model has been increased +3.00% along the broad axis, and key points of flexion will be determined for the final surfacing.
Technicality & Ergonomics.
The amount of flexion needed for the model has been deduced to ~8.00 mm in both positive and negative directions.
The model has been increased +3.00% along the broad axis, and key points of flexion will be determined for the final surfacing.
Refining form & feasibilities.
The current form fits the average face shape desired, and allows for key flexion points to accommodate for tolerances.
Air ventilation has been considered through vents, and open space on surrounding the face.
The model fits flush to the face, and allows for enough room to smile, speak, and express.
Refining form & feasibilities.
The current form fits the average face shape desired, and allows for key flexion points to accommodate for tolerances.
Air ventilation has been considered through vents, and open space on surrounding the face.
The model fits flush to the face, and allows for enough room to smile, speak, and express.
Final Model: Strap Design
The strap design was inspired by the single tightening location design of swim goggles. This allows for quick, efficient tightening, with a wide size range, and to accommodate different head shapes, and hair styles.
Final Model: Strap Design
The strap design was inspired by the single tightening location design of swim goggles. This allows for quick, efficient tightening, with a wide size range, and to accommodate different head shapes, and hair styles.
Material Impact Resistance
CR29 Plastic Polymer
Good balance of clarity, low cost, and is
light weight. It is currently used frequently
for polarized eye-wear.
Not ASTM F803 Approved
Polycarbonate (Ideal)
250 times tougher than glass and acrylic,
withstanding high impacts without shatter.
Absorbs all ultraviolet radiation below 380
nanometers. Easily molded.
ASTM F803 Approved
Trivex NXT (Best)
Crafted of urethane-based monomer. Slower molding process, and most expensive, also shatter proof.
Sharpest optics, and is used in US Military eye
protection.
ASTM F803 Approved
Material Impact Resistance
CR29 Plastic Polymer
Good balance of clarity, low cost, and is
light weight. It is currently used frequently
for polarized eye-wear.
Not ASTM F803 Approved
Polycarbonate (Ideal)
250 times tougher than glass and acrylic,
withstanding high impacts without shatter.
Absorbs all ultraviolet radiation below 380
nanometers. Easily molded.
ASTM F803 Approved
Trivex NXT (Best)
Crafted of urethane-based monomer. Slower molding process, and most expensive, also shatter proof.
Sharpest optics, and is used in US Military eye
protection.
ASTM F803 Approved
Molded to fit the user.
Molds were created for the face cushioning surrounding the mask. The molds were cut to minimize undercuts, allowing for the part to be removed without damage.
BJB Materials TC-5150 Two-Part Silicone was selected to be used.
Molded to fit the user.
Molds were created for the face cushioning surrounding the mask. The molds were cut to minimize undercuts, allowing for the part to be removed without damage.
BJB Materials TC-5150 Two-Part Silicone was selected to be used.
Molded to fit the user.
Molds were created for the face cushioning surrounding the mask. The molds were cut to minimize undercuts, allowing for the part to be removed without damage.
BJB Materials TC-5150 Two-Part Silicone was selected to be used.
Molded to fit the user.
Molds were created for the face cushioning surrounding the mask. The molds were cut to minimize undercuts, allowing for the part to be removed without damage.
BJB Materials TC-5150 Two-Part Silicone was selected to be used.
Molded to fit the user.
Molds were created for the face cushioning surrounding the mask. The molds were cut to minimize undercuts, allowing for the part to be removed without damage.
BJB Materials TC-5150 Two-Part Silicone was selected to be used.
Bringing the idea to life.
Paints were selected to embody a warmer toned version of the ideal color palette. This is meant to allow for a more natural look during the photo process.
Rust-Oleum Filler Primer Flat Gray
Krylon Primer Ultra Flat Gray
Behr Aged Gray Matte
Behr Desert Coral Flat
Bringing the idea to life.
Paints were selected to embody a warmer toned version of the ideal color palette. This is meant to allow for a more natural look during the photo process.
Rust-Oleum Filler Primer Flat Gray
Krylon Primer Ultra Flat Gray
Behr Aged Gray Matte
Behr Desert Coral Flat
Paint & Finish.
Paints were selected to embody a warmer toned version of the ideal color palette. This is meant to allow for a more natural look during the photo process.
Rust-Oleum Filler Primer Flat Gray
Krylon Primer Ultra Flat Gray
Behr Aged Gray Matte
Behr Desert Coral Flat
Paint & finish.
Paints were selected to embody a warmer toned version of the ideal color palette. This is meant to allow for a more natural look during the photo process.
Rust-Oleum Filler Primer Flat Gray
Krylon Primer Ultra Flat Gray
Behr Aged Gray Matte
Behr Desert Coral Flat
Bringing the idea to life.
The final appearance model aimed to target flaws in the model's aesthetic presence, form, and function. The model features sliders to tighten the straps, while ensuring the excess material is secured.
Bringing the idea to life.
The final appearance model aimed to target flaws in the model's aesthetic presence, form, and function. The model features sliders to tighten the straps, while ensuring the excess material is secured.
Cleanliness & Care.
The HALO mask features a quick-release system, allowing players to remove the visor to be cleaned, and wiped down during and after wear. This feature also ensures the mask stay sanitary.
Cleanliness & Care.
The HALO mask features a quick-release system, allowing players to remove the visor to be cleaned, and wiped down during and after wear. This feature also ensures the mask stay sanitary.
Crafted for performance.
Air vents surround the mask, along with considerable spacing between the mask and the user's face to keep air flowing. This ensures that the player remain protected, but also maintain comfort and clarity.
Performance + Comfort.
Air vents surround the mask, along with considerable spacing between the mask and the user's face to keep air flowing. This ensures that the player remain protected, but also maintain comfort and clarity.
Cleanliness & care.
The HALO mask features a quick-release system, allowing players to remove the visor to be cleaned, and wiped down during and after wear. This feature also ensures the mask stay sanitary.
Molded for comfort.
The padding surrounding the user's face ensures that important contact points remain protected, and can withstand impact, while ensuring the mask remain flexible, and uniform to the users face.
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