Wearable Device Development — Freelance Project (Under NDA)
I collaborated with a wearable tech startup to design a rock climbing performance tracker from the ground up, balancing user ergonomics, aesthetic direction, and manufacturability. The goal was to provide the client with fully developed product concepts and manufacturing-ready assets for their first prototype batch and stakeholder presentations.
Scope of Work:
Concept Development & Design Exploration
I generated five distinct product concepts, exploring circular, elliptical, and truncated cone form factors, inspired by both ergonomic considerations and climbing-specific use cases. Each design accounted for port placement (USB-C), tactile feedback (button location), and logo integration, ensuring usability and clean aesthetics.AI-Assisted Ideation
Leveraged generative AI tools to produce a range of design inspiration images, facilitating rapid iteration and hybrid designs. These AI concepts were used to inform final form language and surface detailing in the refined CAD models.Strap Mechanism Design
Developed a proprietary 2-in-1 strap system capable of both wrist-wear and gear-attachment. Concepts included watch-like silicone bands, magnetic interfaces, and hook-based designs for secure fit and user convenience during climbs.Material Selection & Manufacturing Strategy
Recommended injection-molded plastics for the device body, including polycarbonate (PC), ABS, and TPU, to balance durability, impact resistance, and cost. The strap was designed in silicone rubber, with detailed recommendations for curing processes and tooling strategies to support scale-up.Deliverables
Delivered fully dimensioned CAD models, renderings, design specification sheets, and manufacturing method guidance for both the device and strap. These assets enabled the client to initiate prototype productionand engage manufacturing partners efficiently.
This project was completed under a strict NDA, with all deliverables tailored for future scalability and end-user adaptability.