This thesis describes the process of designing a running game in mixed reality, inspired by superhuman sports. The process started with analysing the possible design directions in the development of (superhuman) sports and corresponding emerging technologies. For this purpose, the concept of superhuman sports is considered. Superhuman sports are activities that rely on technology for human augmentation, involve physical fitness and skills, which are played for fun, competition or health reasons. The next step was the decision for a design direction. This decision was made to design a new superhuman sport, in the form of a running game in mixed reality, to make the running experience itself more fun and motivating and distract runners from the exertion activity. An ideation phase followed in which different ideas were considered and eventually a combination for a final game design was chosen. The final game design Play your run! is a running game that can be played location independent and provides a virtual replication of the opponent by wearing augmented reality glasses. Thus, the running game augments the real environment of the runner. In the game, runners compete with each other in a virtual time measured race on a pre-set real distance. They can harass each other by obtaining power-up items by running into virtual boxes placed on the course in the real world. The power-ups are placed in relation to geolocation and meshed surfaces. These items, e.g., add time to the virtual time of the opponent, require the opponent to freeze, or offer protection. The type of item that a player receives from the box is influenced by the runners’ speed, heart rate and current position in the virtual race. Such dynamic game balancing makes it possible for runners of all different levels to play the game. A tournament with six runners was organized in order to investigated whether this running game let runners experience more fun, motivation and engagement. During this tournament, the runners played the running game in which the way they perceived and obtained virtual power-ups was controlled by the researcher. In order to keep the burden of extra technology for the runners low and focus on evaluating the game experience, stationary objects and projection were used to visualize the power-ups. Based on the experience of the runners, the game rules were proved to improve performance, distract the runner from discomfort and involve the audience. A presentation movie of a possible game scenario was create to explain and present the game play. This report provides a description of the scenario and visuals to support and explain the intended gameplay. At some points the technology is not yet developed enough to play the game the initial way. Therefore a future implementation plan and possible future suggestions are given. This report describes the process of a new superhuman sport, a running game in mixed reality. The decision for other emerging technologies or sports can result in more new (superhuman) sports, that can performed during the International Superhuman Sports Championship in 2020.

The aim of this thesis is to analyze if a fully electric super yacht is feasible, desirable and viable. This is done using a “research by design” approach using the current (and future) drivers, enablers and barriers to design a concept. First, a vision is developed using the ViP (Vision in Product design) method, in order to create a clear raison d’être (reason of being) for the concept to be successful. Context and Technology analysis lead to the formulation of a design brief, which was used for the Ideation. A main idea is selected to be developed into a concept, which is used to answer the research questions. The design of the final concept showed the possibilities for fully electric yachting within the boundaries as set in the design brief. A fully electric super yacht will be less flexible in usage and is potentially only suitable for a selected clientele. The main barriers are technical and related to the infrastructure and usage.

In this design research the goal is to design a Sustainable HiFi Solution that the user can and are willing to use during their Audio Life. Context Listening to music in the domestic domain is something everyone does, but not all in the same way. In this research user of HiFi systems are the focus. HiFi Enthusiast listen to music to experience their Music. For decades HiFi systems were quite sustainable, put together out of separate components, if one failed only that one needs replacement. However things have changed, digital and analog systems are combined in one enclosure. Problem All-in-One HiFi solutions gain in popularity amongst Music Enthusiasts. All-in-One solutions are small, everything is contained in one enclosure. Easy to use, a mobile phone and application can be used to control the system. Analog and digital systems are put together to increase the use cases, however the technical lifetime of the different components is different. The digital parts can last for 5 to 10 years, the amplification part 10 to 20 years. A sustainable alternative needs to be designed, with the same benefits for the Music Enthusiast. Approach During this design research the double diamond approach is utilized. First to discover the current situation and fill in knowledge gaps using expert interviews and Hotspot Mapping. Thereafter online questionnaires and in-depth interviews provided the remaining data to start the design process. The design process is split in two, first the gathered data is used to design an overall ‘enclosure’, which is tested with the Music Enthusiast. Thereafter the technical implications of the design are researched, prototyped and implemented. Findings For the Sustainable HiFi solution to be saleable in traditional HiFi stores it has to be usable in a demo room. The HiFi solution should be adaptable to the changing needs and wishes of the Music Enthusiast during their Audio Life. By focusing on adaptability the sustainability aim can best be achieved via a new product design. For the Sustainable HiFi Solution to utilize its sustainable potential to the fullest different parts of the system should be designed using different circular design methods. In the new design unused functions should not be present in the system. Results The Critical Design Challenges for a Sustainable HiFi solution have been met. A modular design was made that can adapt to the Music Enthusiast wishes and needs with regards to Aesthetics, Functionality and Ease of Use. The different modules are easy to replace, without any tools, with the push of a button. The current status of the design is enough to clearly communicate the ideas and reasoning behind the concept. The next step would be to make a minimal viable product to demonstrate the potential of the IMS system to the Music Enthusiast.

Bird observation, as one of the most popular nature exploration activities in Europe, has a large user group, a profitable market and contributes positively to the environment. Optical devices are almost a necessity for bird observation since they provide a magnified view with vivid details at a far distance. Leica, a premium product manufacturer in the camera and sport optics industry, has a current user base of professional and elderly customers in bird observation. As the number of novice observers that start bird watching in urban environments keeps on increasing, the needs from this user group are becoming less neglectable. Therefore, designing for novice bird watchers could potentially help Leica open a new market and create more business value. The design is defined under an urban context, which is a starter-friendly environment since birds are more active in cities. One of the biggest difficulties for novice bird watchers is ‘finding birds’, including catching sight of birds in the environment, and finding them again later in a magnified optical view. This can be a process that is both tricky and time-consuming for beginners. Some extra digital assistance “just like a slight nudge” is appreciated during the process. To improve the experience for this process, multiple design ideas were generated and different adaptable technologies were mapped out in a morphological chart. The selected concept is an innovative bird watching optical device with a built-in 3D sound localisation system that is able to generate 3D directional vectors of the detected birdsong source, convert it into 2D information, then project a directional hint of birds’ position on the optical view. To test the feasibility of the selected technology, a functional mockup was built, which is composed with a digital camera, a microphone array, a computer processing power and a camera view finder display. At the end of the project, the mockup is able to perform sound source localisation of multiple sound sources within a distance range of 0-8m. The mockup build in the project could serve as a starting point for Leica’s future exploration under the sound-related innovation area. Though currently the relevant technology is not mature and cost-efficient enough to bring much value to the viability aspect, a technology roadmap was proposed to the company suggesting a step-by-step further development process. With technical improvements from experts and engineers, an optimized setup with a better performance and a lower cost can be achieved within a more compact package. a sporce opcs

Trials is a subdiscipline of mountain biking that consists of two variants: one practiced with a trials bicycle and one with a trials motorcycle. Though these two disciplines have the same basic requirements, there are clear distinctions in the technical sports gestures that the respective athletes employ. This is due to some fundamental differences in the vehicles used, one critical difference being that the trial motorcycle has a suspension system while the trial bicycle does not. This leads to incompatibility between the sports at a high level as cross-training can cause learned skill errors, where athletes adopt bad habits from practicing the other discipline. This is particularly problematic for trial motorcyclists, as there are various benefits from training with a bicycle, namely: bicycles provide a more complete workout for trial riders, bicycles are easier to maintain, laws restrict the use of motorcycles in certain areas, and the fact that many trial riders begin their trial experiences on a bicycle. To solve this problem, this project aims to answer the following research question: “Will the integration of a suspension system in a trial bicycle allow it to mimic more closely the usability of a motorcycle trial, in order to be suitable for cross-training of trial athletes?” To answer this question, I employ the Stanford d-school’s Design Thinking approach to create a functional prototype of a hybrid trial bike. This prototype is subsequently tested and evaluated by a target user, which provides a departure point for further research and development into this topic.

Prostheses and orthoses are trending towards digital methods and automation. Adopting these methods is especially a challenge at Frank Jol, a clinic where patients' wide variety in residual limb characteristics and high activity demands pose a challenge for digital workflows which utilise 3D scanning to arrive at a final prosthesis. This is because certified prosthetists and orthotists (CPOs) who design and produce prostheses, apply a series of tactile adjustments to the residual limb using plaster that result in a more optimal fitting and distribution of weight in the socket, which cannot easily be captured and digitised. In collaboration with Gyromotics, a high-tech prosthetic foot start-up, and Frank Jol, this graduation project is an exploration into the potential for a pressure-sensing textile tool to capture the tacit knowledge of CPOs in the fitting of below-knee prostheses. The project begins with a detailed analysis. First, the clinical situation of the residual limb and the biomechanics of transtibial prosthesis is studied to understand what factors influence prosthesis fit, and how CPOs manipulate the residual limb to that effect. Then the process towards producing a prosthesis is analysed as it is executed at Frank Jol, in order to then compare to alternative processes that incorporate digital methods to understand the barriers and opportunities for intervention. Finally, CPOs and patients are interviewed to uncover their needs and values in the process. This analysis reveals the need for an intervention that captures and standardises the stump modification process in a digital way, while retaining CPO control and tactiliy, and keeping the patient in the communication loop. The design result is PressFit: a pressure-sensing textile tool to be worn by the patient, which registers CPO applied pressures and provides visual feedback during stump measuring and plastering. PressFit is introduced as it fits into an envisioned future prosthesis prescription workflow. PressFit is developed through iterative technical development of the physical prototype, alongside development of the interaction for both measuring and plastering use cases. A co-design method with a CPO is followed throughout this development. An evaluation is conducted with 5 CPOs at Frank Jol to assess the prototype's performance against design drivers. Results show that PressFit standardises the measurement process. All participants agreed PressFit is a helpful tool with potential to improve patient-CPO communication and bring traceability to the plastering process. Additionally, the tool shows promise for us as a training tool for new CPOs. As this thesis serves as a proof-of-concept for the application of pressure-sensing textile in the prosthesis prescription process, it concludes with recommendations for further development in physical prototyping (textiles), software, and user interaction.

Javelin throwing in the winter is not fun when the temperature approaches zero degrees. That is way javelin throwers move indoors for training. The problem with training indoors it that there is no room to throw a javelin 80 meters, so a different type of training is used. The javelin fitted with a rubber tip is thrown into a net. This way, the technique can still be practiced without the javelin’s flight. Unfortunately, the flight of the javelin can tell a lot about how well the javelin is thrown. Without that feedback, it is hard to know if an improvement in technique also results in a better throw. This project aims the fill that gap and provides performance feedback to the javelin thrower and the coach. Javelin throwing context First, the javelin throwing context is analyzed. The most critical parameters for measuring the performance of an athlete are the release velocity, release angle, and angle of attack. These parameters need to be measured with an accuracy of 0,25 m/s for the velocity and 1,5 degrees for both angles to give a realistic indication for the performance of the throw. The feel of the javelin is also crucial. It should hold the same as a standard javelin and should behave the same way when moving it around. Sports data collection The most used data collection now in day to day training is video recording, which can be played back in slow motion to dissect the technique of the athlete. As mentioned before, this does not tell everything about the performance of the throw. Several 3D tracking technologies are explored to find the best way the tracking the velocity and angles of the javelin. The best option seems to be a combined system of an inertial measurement unit inside the javelin with video tracking as an external reference system. The video can also be used to playback the recording of the throw. This way, the link between the technique and the performance of the throw becomes more apparent. Development For both the inertial measurement unit and the video tracking a proof of concept prototype is developed. The systems are combined to use the strengths of one system to fill in the weakness of the other. In this case, the video tracking can compensate for the drift of an inertial measurement unit, and the inertial measurement unit can reduce the noise in the video tracking data. Product A product name PRODON in build around the two tracking systems. It has active trackers front and back for the video tracking system to pick up. The inertial measurement unit is built into the back in a protective casing. The PRODON uses an app to communicate the collected performance data to the athlete and coaches. Combined with a video of throw, this can be a meaningful addition to indoor javelin training. Evaluation The accuracy of the prototype is tested in the situation where the javelin is thrown perpendicular to the camera. The velocity error calculated from this test is 0,02 m/s. The angle error tested came out to be 0,5 degree. Although these measurements fall below the set requirements, they are tested in a controlled 2D environment. Further testing in real conditions is needed to say for sure that this technology can provide accurate data.

This report contains a full description of my graduation project for my Master degree in Design for Interaction (Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology). I did this project in collaboration with the start-up company Sports-f(x), the creators of the NextRound boxing system. The NextRound boxing system currently consists of an intelligent data-collecting punch bag, paired with a tablet. This system gives users direct feedback on their workout, and enables them to see their improvement in their workout data. The system has potential to help many different kinds of people to exercise at home. However, there are many barriers withholding people from getting a bag like this into their homes. The main barrier is that positioning a large product like a punch bag (especially one which also needs access to Wi-Fi and electricity) and its accompanying tablet is quite the task. My graduation project brief was to solve exactly this problem; helping people to position the NextRound system at home. For this purpose, I designed the NextRound Tulip. To get to this concept product, I undertook a number of design research and exploration activities. To start off, I researched what kind of people might benefit from owning a boxing system as such. From this research I made five personas for potential users. I used these personas to recruit people for a co-design session, as I wanted to get to know the values of the potential users. These values would afterwards lead to both a proper Design Goal and a list of Requirements & Wishes, which would guide the product development in later stages. The most important value found during the sessions was that people do not wish this big boxing system to be in the way in the house, so other activities done in the house would not be disturbed. With the findings from this research I set up a brainstorm session with fellow DfI students to try and satisfy the Design Goal. From these sessions I made a Morphological Chart, which led to six ideas. From these six I chose three to develop further into concepts. I developed the three chosen ideas into three further iterated concepts. Potential users gave their opinions on these concepts through an online survey, which I used, along with the opinions of the company, to choose to develop the NextRound Tulip further. I made some improvements on this concept and built a full-scale prototype to test and evaluate the concept with potential users. Lastly, I wrote a list of recommendations for future development for a product based on this concept. The NextRound Tulip is a concept product which should satisfy the needs of users and Sports-f(x). It can be used with the NextRound punch bag, as well as other punch bags. In my opinion, it is a product solution to help people do boxing workouts at home.

The thesis focuses on creating a solution aimed at reducing suffering in earthquake prone regions. The research done resulted in the development of Embrace, a wearable communication device designed to alleviate human suffering during seismic events in seismically active regions like Zagreb. Commencing with an exploration of challenges faced by people living in these quake affected regions, the research aimed to devise a cost-effective, visually appealing solution to these issues. Methodologies encompassed literature reviews, interviews, cause-effect analysis, and Inside out Design approach, offering crucial insights into user needs and preferences. Following an evaluation of various design concepts, Embrace emerged as the preferred solution, aligning with project requirements. Embrace integrates LoRa technology for long-range communication, empowering individuals to request aid during earthquakes. Its design process involved modeling with Fusion 360, 3D printing, and utilizing liquid rubber for silicone shells. Sizing considerations, ergonomic enhancements with fillets, and a hierarchy of requirements guided its development. Future research pathways should include testing Embrace's functionality, exploring diverse shapes and materials, and investigating additional features like smartwatch integration. The thesis resulted in development of Embrace as a significant contribution to wearable technology, enhancing safety and well-being during seismic events.

Problem definition The healthcare sector faces escalating pressure due to its current inefficient practices in digital information exchange. The Integral Care Agreement (IZA) from the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS) and overarching healthcare organizations is focused on creating a future-proof healthcare system. The Wegiz, introduced within the IZA, outlines standards for electronic data exchange among healthcare providers, with the focus on the Basic Dataset for Care (BgZ). However, the implementation of BgZ faces challenges, as insight in the influencing factors and facilitating interventions are limited. Research outcomes This research addresses this gap by employing literature reviews, (semi-structured) interviews, observations, and a thematic analyses within the healthcare ecosystem, specifically focused on the experience of medical specialists with the current organization of digital information exchange, to identify the factors affecting the BgZ implementation. A critical finding reveals a disconnect between macro-level legislation and micro-level healthcare practitioners, resulting in an oversight of the human aspect in decision-making and communication of changes. Furthermore, VWS encounters challenges in effectively engaging the target audience, according to medical specialists and organizational employees, leading to various disadvantages, including negative experiences with legislatively driven developments and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals regarding BgZ and their pivotal role in the transformation. Furthermore, the limited awareness for standardization among specialists and the time and efficiency constraints are additional factors to be taken into account. Although, legislation is obliging interoperability between systems on a technical level, including the human aspect to evoke behaviour change towards standardization is currently limited. The cultural factors of the medical environment are challenging as well as autonomy and hierarchy is deeply rooted, which may influence the attitude towards change. Design goals The study emphasizes the need to involve healthcare professionals, starting with the first step of engaging physicians in the change process. To address this, a serious game has been developed with the primary goal of raising awareness about the urgency of BgZ implementation and encouraging active participation and collaboration by provide positive experiences of the opportunities the BgZ includes. The game, evaluated through sessions with the target audience, has proven to be an effective intervention, achieving its set objectives. Recommendations As a recommendation, the game should be implemented in an interdisciplinary manner, involving physicians, assistants, IT personnel, organizational staff, and policymakers. This approach aims to connect perspectives and foster collaboration. Ultimately, the game serves as a tool to bridge the gap between policymakers and healthcare practitioners by providing insights into each other’s perspectives, fostering a collective and collaborative approach towards successful BgZ implementation.

The goal of this graduation thesis is to design a bicycle computer mount (BCM) that connects bike computers with road cycling handlebars in a visually appealing, and aerodynamic way. Initiated between Delft University of Technology and a leading sports equipment company, the project addresses the evolving needs of cyclists regarding maximum integration and aerodynamic optimisation of their material. Through context research, user research and aerodynamic research, ideas were generated and formed into concepts. From those concepts the most promising was selected to further develop into a detailed design. This design was then validated with vibration tests, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The final design is a one-piece thermoplastic BCM that weighs 38 grams. It is made from injection moulded carbon-reinforced nylon (CF/PA12) to optimise weight and structural performance. A physical prototype was made for validation with different computers and vibration testing.

In this research a double diamond method was used to redesign a gymnastic crashmat to enable easier transportation without reducing its functionality. This was done since the presence of such mats is questionable in event halls, mainly in international competitions. This makes it impossible for athletes to make use of crashmats during training and warming up in these event halls. While current crashmats are big and harsh to transport, there was a need for transportable crashmats to have a safe and secure feeling when going to (international) events.

Bicycle helmets reduce the chance of certain injuries such as skull fractures according to various research. However, they are not designed to prevent other injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injury. This is due to test regulations, which only test for high speed linear accelerations. In reality however, low speed as well as oblique impacts occur frequently. A design is proposed that adds an extra layer to the inside of the modern helmet. Four zones with impact absorbing cylinders are both able to absorb low speed linear accelerations by compression, as wells as angular accelerations (as a result of oblique impacts) by shearing.

Within the Dutch Sailing Organisation research concerning the trapeze harness has been limited. Before starting the research no concrete information concerning the interaction between a trapeze harness and the human body or important design requirements regarding the influence of new boat designs were documented. The purpose of this research was to develop a better understanding of the previously mentioned points and put forth a new harness design based on the insights that were gathered. By means of multiple interviews and user studies, the interaction between harness and sailor was observed. To dig deeper, the physical interaction between harness and sailor was analysed by measuring pressure and load on the body from different harness designs. Providing new insights and a bases for a new harness design. The proposed design focused on improving the freedom of movement of a harness by changing the outline of the harness. In the new design, the harness’ shoulder straps are altered resulting in a harness with back part that is split in a top and bottom half. A prototype was fabricated to validate the design providing recommended improvements for future development.

In this graduation thesis, the evolution of Adidas's product development process is explored, focusing on the introduction of a Adizero footwear Fuzzy Front-End aimed at enhancing brand credibility and user experience through agile, user-centric design methods. This stage, a crucial part of the development of Adidas Adizero Footwear, prioritizes functional prototypes and utilizes athletes’ performance data to inform design before products enter the marketing phase. An in-depth context analysis illuminates Adidas’ intricate organizational structure, brand categorization, and the history and innovative essence of the Adizero franchise. This analysis lays the groundwork for exploring the fuzzy front-end (FFE) stage, where challenges such as neglect of individual consumer needs and complexities in the initial development stages are underscored, and opportunities like well-balanced stakeholder engagement, participatory design methods, and data-enabled engagement approaches are identified. In seeking to resolve identified challenges, novel stakeholder engagement strategies are devised, promoting dynamic understanding and interaction amongst stakeholders beyond traditional managerial definitions. Innovative tools and methods, such as the ‘Superpower Element Sticker,’ are developed to encourage co-creation and facilitate the formulation of new engagement strategies. At the same time, analyses and pilot testing sessions ensure the practical applicability of proposed solutions. This research highlights the delineation of a novel conceptual design framework, aimed at enabling effective multi-stakeholder co-creation in the Fuzzy Front-end of Adizero Footwear. Then a new process design, based on the conceptual design framework in a co-creation workshop, integrates innovative data tunnels allowing varied stakeholders, including consumers, marketers, and developers, to actively contribute insights and refine the design throughout different seasons and stages of footwear creation. Emphasizing clarity and data visualization, this proposed framework, while innovative, necessitates strategic navigation through technological constraints and alignment with Adidas's methodologies to ensure feasibility and optimal contribution to the enhancement of the footwear design process.

In this graduation project for the start-up Dispertech, the usability and workflow of their NanoCET device is improved. The NanoCET is a research tool used in hospital and university laboratories, for which the following problem was stated: researchers and technicians working in labs have difficulty setting up and using the NanoCET device and software when conducting a measurement on the size distribution and concentration of nanoparticles. This leads to failed measurements and therefore a waste of time, materials, and samples. As a result of these issues, it is difficult for researchers to trust Dispertech and their NanoCET. The NanoCET faced challenges with its workflow, which is disrupted by going back and forth between the software and the device, with its underdeveloped analysis and measurement software, and missing feedforward and feedback in physical configuration elements like the ‘arena’, the clamp, and the cartridge. These usage issues have been traced during interviews and observations in the context, a competitor analysis, a functional analysis, a usability inspection, and a streamlined walkthrough. The final design is developed through explorative prototyping, associative sketching using methods like SCAMPER and morphological charts, and creative sessions with peer students and with Dispertech. The final design is focused on a guided and efficient workflow, facilitated by the device but mainly by the measurement software. (Inter)actions in the workflow of the final design are clustered as well as the process allows. Consequently, the workflow is split up into three phases: 1) Insert cartridge, 2) Prepare device, and 3) Measurement. The physical device shows multiple differences compared to the current NanoCET: the ON/OFF button is visible and easily reachable at the front, the finger indentation of the knob is coloured to emphasize this use cue, there are use cues for (opening) the clamp and the packaging of a cartridge facilitates carrying information. The cartridge itself is redesigned to protect the coverslip and to provide more feedforward and feedback by making use of colours (and shapes) resembling the corresponding phase. The ‘arena’ is designed to provide use cues and fit the new cartridge. Moreover, the LEDs on the physical device are placed so they are always visible, whether the interaction is performed seated, or standing up. Each LED has a different colour to track the three phases and their colours in the software. In the software, the user sees an overview of the whole process. Information is hierarchically layered, using hover-information buttons to provide extra input when it is required during the process. The least amount of input is required to set up a measurement, supported by automatically filling fields based on the information given earlier. In this way, users experience careful guidance through each step of the workflow.

The objective of this thesis is to enhance existing harness designs, with a focus on reducing discomfort and enhancing overall performance. The contextual analysis, literature review, and desktop research yielded crucial insights and identified areas of improvement. Supplementary interviews were conducted with the user group. Initially, anthropometric data was sourced from existing databases like DINED; however, it lacked specificity to kitesurfing and the stances taken during kitesurfing, and some measurements relevant to the design of a kitesurf harness were missing, such as the torso length. To address this, an analysis of individual scans was done, followed by 3D scans of persons in kitesurfing stances. It was found that the main factors leading to discomfort are the movement of the harness on the body, the pressure on the ribs, and the lack of pressure distribution. The main design goals stated are improved pressure distribution within the variation of movements and body types. The findings of this thesis offer valuable insights into the potential for enhancing kitesurfing harnesses in terms of comfort, safety, and overall performance. By taking into account both the engineering and ergonomic aspects, this research contributes to the ongoing evolution of kitesurfing equipment, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of kitesurfers. The final design is a modular kitesurf harness increasing the repairability, maintainability and upgradeability. The project includes anthropometric design guidelines for a kitesurf harness and multiple prototypes to test the concept. Resulting in a set of recommendations and designs that the Mystic team can take into consideration in the future steps towards developing the ultimate harness.

The goal of this thesis was to propose a new design for a kitefoiling harness for the Dutch Olympic team, which does not cause major discomfort, stays in the same location on the body and properly supports the body of the athlete. In the discovery phase, three main problems with existing harnesses were found. First, as the harness is pulled up the body while kitefoiling, the legstraps put an uncomfortably large amount of pressure on the groin. Second, ideally the attachment point between the harness and the kite sits around the crotch, but as the harness is pulled up the attachment point moves as well. Furthermore, the attachment point moves around too much in general. Last, the shape of the harness does not always fit the athlete well, causing weird pressure points, which are perceived as uncomfortable. Two extreme postures were identified that harnesses need to perform well in: going upwind and doing a manoeuvre. Through force analysis it was found the highest forces that the harness has to endure are in the upwind posture. Major shear forces should be avoided. The athletes prefer to be supported most at the Gluteus Maximus and the lower back. The design approach for this project was prototype focussed, with every design stage being tested and validated. First, general concept directions were designed and evaluated. This evaluation led to two major pain points in the design: too much pressure on the hips and too much pressure at the groin. Two subsequent design sprints were then completed to solve these two pain points. The outcomes were tested with members of the Dutch Olympic team. The final proposed design is radically different than existing kitefoiling harnesses on the market. The new design removes the spreaderbar and makes the attachment point much smaller. Additionally, it contains much bigger legstraps that keep the entire harness in place and are connected to a hard belt that is custom moulded to the shape of the back of the athlete. Apart from the hard belt, everything can be adjusted to ensure the best possible fit. During final testing it was found that, overall, the new design does not perform better than the current best harness on the market. The freedom of movement is greatly reduced and the leg straps were perceived as very uncomfortable, partly due to a much higher pressure from the kite in manoeuvres than anticipated. The newly designed leg straps did stay in place perfectly and kept the attachment point in the same place. Ultimately, the design should be tested with more participants. Even though the design is currently not better than the compared harness, some suggested adjustments could have a positive impact on the discomfort that the athlete perceived.

The project focused on improving Olympic foiling classes sailing athletes' safety: Nacra 17, iQFOiL, and IKA Formula Kite. The primary objective was to investigate dangerous circumstances with foil sailors to research the mechanisms that cause injuries and develop a design solution to prevent them. The research performed provides an integrated perspective into the subject of foil sailing safety. The research methods include participatory observational research, one-to-one interviews, multimedia evidence analysis, incident reporting archives study, and explorative retail analysis. Current wetsuits fail to protect sailors from foil strikes, as they only cover limited areas of the body. Four primary objectives are established. Impact and cut protection on the entirety of the wetsuit's surface, comfort, and aesthetics, which are two factors in attracting the use of such a suit. The product's name is Websuit 1, which is a protective wetsuit designed for Olympic foiling sailors. Full-length woven Dyneema lining is stacked with lightweight neoprene and GRDXKN foam— a mix of comfort and unprecedented protection. Results of several iterations have proven that GRDXKN can be printed on Guard Shield. Furthermore, based on the tests, 100% Dyneema lining can be bound to neoprene rubber thanks to lining glues. The proposed wetsuit manufacturing method is the same as the current one, with the addition of a GRDXKN screen printing and heating phase. Under the impact tower, the GRDXKN absorbed 56% of the maximum force applied from a 10J impact. The developed reinforced neoprene has been shown to distribute the energy over a larger surface, which decreases the stress applied to the body. Furthermore, the reinforced neoprene did not tear or break under stresses caused by 50J impacts. In contrast, conventional neoprene concentrated the applied force on a smaller area for the same energy impact and was torn. This project provided the first steps into connecting innovative textile technologies with the sailing world.