HORIZON
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How Can We Make Wilderness
Navigation More Intuitive?
4 Weeks | 150 Hours | 2026
Skills | User Research, User Experience, Iteration, Ergonomics
Software | Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Suite
Team Project
Off-Trail Hiking (Bushwacking) Is Hard To Get Into
Off-Trail Hiking (Bushwacking) Is Hard To Get Into
A niche sport that's become more popular recently, bushwhacking is the act of navigating and hiking through unmarked/unrouted terrain and ecosystems.
It's not really easy to start however.
A niche sport that's become more popular recently, bushwhacking is the act of navigating and hiking through unmarked/unrouted terrain and ecosystems.
It's not really easy to start however.
Head-Down Loop
Head-Down Loop
Navigation can quickly become frustrating when users have to repeatedly look down to check a map or GPS device to make sure, they're on track.
Navigation can quickly become frustrating when users have to repeatedly look down to check a map or GPS device to make sure, they're on track.
Sparse Community
Sparse Community
Bushwhacking is pretty disjointed; you'd need to find people in person or scrub through various niche forums to get practical advice on how to start.
Bushwhacking is pretty disjointed; you'd need to find people in person or scrub through various niche forums to get practical advice on how to start.
Dated Gear
Dated Gear
Wayfinding technology isn't very optimized for an intuitive user flow. They can be pretty confusing to use especially for a beginner.
Wayfinding technology isn't very optimized for an intuitive user flow. They can be pretty confusing to use especially for a beginner.
Design Criteria
Engage
Can we use other senses to create a more intuitive experience?
Comfort
Can we provide the user with more confidence in their direction?
Guide
Plain and simple, how do we point the way?
Defining The Experience Through Acting Out User Flow
Two directions were selected: a wearable and a handheld puck.
Interaction testing was prioritized using abstract physical forms.
Defining The Experience Through Acting Out User Flow
Two directions were selected: a wearable and a handheld puck.
Interaction testing was prioritized using abstract physical forms.
Design Criteria
Engage
Can we use other senses to create a more intuitive experience?
Comfort
Can we provide the user with more confidence in their direction?
Guide
Plain and simple, how do we point the way?
Peripheral Vision Navigation Testing via LED Prototyping
Can we convey information via peripheral vision instead of AR? Built quick prototypes using LEDs and safety glasses to validate navigation concept.
Blending the Aesthetics of Safety Goggles and Sports Glasses
Combining safety, durability, and sports aesthetics. Creating a visual balance of protection and speed.
Multi-Sensory Functional Prototype with Motion Tracking
We created a works-like model and experience, pairing both visual AND auditory input by mapping custom sound effects in 3D space.
Multi-Sensory Functional Prototype with Motion Tracking
We created a works-like model and experience, pairing both visual AND auditory input by mapping custom sound effects in 3D space.
Blending Safety Goggles
and Sports Glasses
Combining safety, durability, and sports aesthetics. Creating a visual balance of protection and speed.
Hingeless Design To Communicate Reliability
Hinges were replaced with a continuous titanium spine. This structure provided strength, lightness, and comfort.
Peripheral Vision Navigation Testing via LED Prototyping
Can we convey information via peripheral vision instead of AR? Built quick prototypes using LEDs and safety glasses to validate navigation concept.
Iterating on Final Form
The design process iterated between digital sketches and physical prototypes. 3D prints validated ergonomics and user flow.
Iterating on Final Form Through CAD, 3D Printing and Sketching
The design process iterated between digital sketches and physical prototypes. 3D prints validated ergonomics and user flow.
Hingeless Design To Communicate Reliability
Hinges were replaced with a continuous titanium spine.
This structure provided strength, lightness, and comfort.
Form Language Blends Approachability and Fashion
Horizon balances practical function with high-speed aesthetics using a frameless, edge-to-edge lens.
Color accents highlight key touchpoints to bridge the gap between fashion and technology.
Creating an
Offline Data
Cache
Creating an Offline Data Cache
Our concept website/broader company Meridian.com facilitates route creation and community sharing.
Completed routes download to the charging case for offline caching.
Form Language Blends Approachability and Fashion
Horizon balances practical function with high-speed aesthetics using a frameless, edge-to-edge lens.
Color accents highlight key touchpoints to bridge the gap between fashion and technology.
[a]
[a]
[b]
[b]
[c]
[c]
Creating an Offline Data Cache
Our concept website/broader company Meridian.com facilitates route creation and community sharing. Completed routes download to the charging case for offline caching.
Motion + Spacial Tracking to Guide Users
Active Search mode guides users through peripheral light and 3D spatial audio. A physical notch on the right temple toggles the navigation system.
Motion + Spacial Tracking to Guide Users
Active Search mode guides users through peripheral light and 3D spatial audio. A physical notch on the right temple toggles the navigation system.
Off-Route Alert to Encourage Confidence During Exploration
Off Route Alert to Encourage
Confidence During Exploration
Horizon triggers auditory and visual alerts when users veer off-route. A green flash and positive sound confirm return to the preset path.
Horizon triggers auditory and visual alerts when users veer off-route. A green flash and positive sound confirm return to the preset path.
Waypoint Dial
Tactile Interaction Dial for Route Info Browsing
A single dial with a button feature, allows users to interact with their route on the fly.
Browsing Pre-Set Waypoints With Visual + Audio Feedback
Route creation establishes waypoints to monitor distance and duration. Custom waypoints track specific destinations. A rotary dial facilitates browsing between markers.
Tactile Interaction Dial for Route Info Browsing
A single dial with a button feature, allows users to interact with their route on the fly.
Browsing Pre-Set Waypoints With Visual + Audio Feedback
Route creation establishes waypoints to monitor distance and duration. Custom waypoints track specific destinations. A rotary dial facilitates browsing between markers.
Blue Dots Indicate Browsing
The light turns to smaller blue colored dots when switching between different route waypoints.
Conscious Detailing To Promote Product-User Symbiosis
The left-side marker button saves current positions and points of interest for future review. On-board speakers are positioned right above the ears to ensure clear audio in dense environments
How Can We Make Wilderness
Navigation More Intuitive?
3 Weeks | 120 Hours | 2026
Skills | Prototyping, Ergonomics, Iteration, Visualization
Software | Solidworks, Blender
Team Project
Testing Out The User Flow Through Narrative Video
A short narrative video visualized the user journey and interaction steps.
Testing Out The User Flow Through Narrative Video
A short narrative video visualized the user journey and interaction steps.
Conscious Detailing To Promote Product-User Symbiosis
The left-side marker button saves current positions and points of interest for future review. On-board speakers are positioned right above the ears to ensure clear audio in dense environments