Robert McKinna

Throughout the development of project Phoenix the main focus has been around making the solution fully inclusive. Consequently there are multiple features throughout the vest that are designed with inclusion as a key consideration. For example in the image above the Velcro side attachments give accessibility to users who may struggle with movement or dexterity and enable them to put the outer vest on.

To ensure that Phoenix has been designed with inclusivity in mind a multitude of participants who have MS with a range of differing symptoms have been involved throughout user testing and the development of the product. Experts and key stakeholders have also been involved and impairment tools have been used such as the dexterity simulation gloves shown above on the left hand. The above image shows the central panel which has been designed in an inclusive manner. It engages all of the users sensors from the tactile feel of the buttons surface, the tactile feeling of the raised on/off symbol, the light that shines through the button for confirmation of activation, the soft force required to press the main button, and lastly the audible pen button like confirmatory clicking sound to ensure the user they have activated the vest.

Phoenix is designed to be inclusive for all gender types and body shapes, as the inner vest and outer vest are able to be adjusted to the majority of users torso shapes. A key aspect of the vests functionality is the inner cooling vest that is required to be close to the skin. The connection to the inner vest is facilitated by the holes in the outer vest shown in the image above, this allows for sizing flexibility and ultimately for the product only needing to be sold in 2 sizes of small and large. The innovative sizing system that adjusts to your size of torso makes Phoenix a sustainable solution as less vest sizes would need to be made and so less material would need to be produced.

The Central Panel (on the left) and the Battery Holder (on the right) are the two main features of the vest that influence the thermoelectric fabric. The Battery Holder contains a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that can be recharged via a micro USB. The battery is connected to the inner vest via the battery holder popper connectors. These are held within the pocket on the upper back of the inner vest. The Central Panel is the main feature that turns the vest on and off. It is also connected to the inner vest’s heat flux sensors that record the users core body temperature and sends this data to the Phoenix sports vest app. The central panel is also connected via conductive poppers, through the users desired set of sizing holes on the outer layer of the vest and the two female popper connectors on the inner vest adjustable torso belt.

Above is an exploded view of the main components utilised within the central panel and inner vest. These are used to measure the users core body temperature and communicate information to the Phoenix sports vest app. Heat flux sensors are used to collect the users core temperature data to control the cooling power of the interwoven thermoelectric fabric within the inner vest. The central panel is made up of similar electronic components to those used within a heart rate monitor with the main ones being a 3V battery and a Bluetooth transmitter.

The fins/vents located on the upper back of the outer vest are both used for functionality and aesthetic purposes. As the user is running or engaging in an endurance related sport or exercise, the fins help to catch the air running over the users shoulders and redirect it to the thermoelectric fabric. This consequently helps the thermoelectric fabric stay cool and therefore have an increased cooling power and efficiency. The fins make what is a disability focused product into a solution that is attractive, of a desirable aesthetic, and aligns with the phoenix brand.