FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guardian: Inclusive Smart Helmet Revolutionizes Safety for Deaf-Mute Cyclists with Advanced Sensory Technology

Guardian, designed by Zhou Leijing and her multidisciplinary team, addresses the critical safety challenges faced by deaf-mute cyclists in sound-dominated traffic environments. The helmet leverages smart technology, integrating sensors, vibration feedback, and a head-up display (HUD) to replace traditional auditory cues with intuitive, non-verbal alerts. This inclusive approach ensures that cyclists who cannot rely on sound are still able to receive timely warnings about traffic conditions, significantly reducing accident risks and promoting equitable urban mobility.

The development of Guardian was rooted in extensive user-centered research, involving interviews, journey mapping, and direct engagement with deaf-mute individuals and cyclists. Insights from these studies highlighted the dangers posed by missed auditory warnings and the lack of accessible emergency support. In response, Guardian features precise vibration alerts for approaching vehicles, visual turn signals, and an automatic emergency call system activated in the event of an accident. The helmet is constructed from lightweight, durable materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and memory foam, ensuring both comfort and protection, while integrated sensors and LED modules enhance usability and safety.

Guardian's intuitive operation allows users to simply wear the helmet and ride as usual, with the system providing real-time feedback through gentle vibrations and visual cues. A snug fit is achieved with an adjustable knob, and a single tap enables the sending of preset messages for added reassurance. The project, initiated in June 2023 and completed in October 2024 in China, overcame significant technical and social challenges, including the integration of complex sensory technology into a compact form and the lack of existing reference cases. The Bronze A' Design Award recognizes Guardian's contribution to inclusive design, raising awareness of the needs of deaf-mute cyclists and setting a new standard for safety in personal protective equipment.

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