Bevy
Personal Project
Scope 8 Weeks
Completed Spring 2020
Backcountry Communication
A satellite and radio-powered phone accessory that expands service to the backcountry.
When cell service isn’t an option
Bevy utilizes satellite service to enhance phone functionality when offline.
By connecting Bevy to the phone via Bluetooth, users can write texts as usual. Once the message is composed, Bevy utilizes satellites to send it.
User Concerns
Why does communication in the backcountry matter?
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“We’re fairly new to backpacking, and I know there have been times our family has worried about us. I wish I had service just so I could get in touch and reassure everyone that I’m okay and having a great time.”
Lauren, Outdoor Influencer in Seattle WA -
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“There have been multiple times on hut trips when the group split up and couldn’t find each other. We need a better way to sync back up and stay in touch.”
Mary, Backcountry Skiier in Carbondale, CO -
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“I got lost while scouting trails for the Parks Service in Olympic National Park. After a day or two I managed to climb a mountain and get a call out on my cell phone, but if I hadn’t found a pocket of service, I easily could have died out there.”
Donal, former Trail Crew Leader for the National Parks Service
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“Being able to get in touch with my partner when I’m out on a trip — telling him I’m doing well and getting little messages that he’s thinking about me — makes me feel very loved and is incredibly reassuring.”
Bailey, Backpacker and Rafter in Glenwood Springs CO -
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“On long backpacking trips, you’re bound to get separated from your group… everyone just has a different pace and it happens. It would be great to be able to get in touch with the group to figure out how much further to go, where to stop for lunch, where to camp… that kind of thing.”
Justin, Triple Crown Thru Hiker -
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“People assume they can use their cell phone as a lifeline. But 97% of the places you travel in the park have no cell reception, and that’s how people get into dangerous situations.“
Jeff, Search and Rescue Volunteer at Joshua Tree National Park
Product landscape
Current products are overbuilt for most adventures
Intimidating
Unnecessarily complicated for most users, require training to use with confidence
Unfamiliar
Difficult interface for users who are more familiar with touch screens
Focused on emergency use
Beginner and intermediate adventurers rarely will need this function
Aesthetic disconnect
The rugged aesthetic doesn’t connect with urban, casual, and beginner adventurers
Goal
Design a device that makes it easy to stay in touch while in the backcountry.
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Messaging Home
The device should help the user to contact people back at home, whether they need to get in touch with Emergency Medical Services or just contact loved ones to say hi and stay in touch.
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Messaging the Group
The device should make it easy to keep tabs on different group members on the same trip. Navigation between members is a bonus.
Concept Ideation
Compact Beacons
Pairable beacons with a small enough form factor to be carried anywhere, anytime
Group Communication Modules
Can be linked to phone for interface and paired with friends’ devices. Enables communication home while making trip communication easier
E Ink Travel Journal and Satellite Messenger
Adds value to a satellite messenger, combining it with other functionality like journaling or sketching
Design Goals
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Simple
Consumers expect and deserve simple, intuitive interactions in their technology
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Seamless
The device should capitalize on smart phone interface and incorporate seamlessly
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Personal
Variable physical configurations and CMF enable personalization for a range of users
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Approachable
Modern aesthetics to resonate with the aesthetic preferences of casual adventurers
Architectural Explorations
Use smart phone UI instead of having a dedicated screen or keyboard.
I explored form factors that could work as both a handheld device and a phone accessory. Before getting too involved with CAD or high fidelity sketching, I started doing crude architecture studies by tearing down similar products to work around. This exploration was the basis for rough 3D printed stack-ups, which informed the dimensions of the form studies.
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Satellite Phone Case
I knew I wanted the device to utilize and expand upon the interface of the user’s smart phone, so considered housing the device in a phone case. The logistics of designing for different phone designs and sizes deterred me from pursuing this option.
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Magsafe Phone Accessory
A magnetic device could capitalize on the new Magsafe Apple ecosystem, as well as the growing number of magnetic phone cases.
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Swappable Mount
I explored the idea of a device that could be mounted to the phone using a swappable mount so the device could also be mounted to clothing, backpacks or helmets, but this concept seemed too bulky.
Digital Exploration
Bevy
Mesh networking and satellite service
Devices connect to each other, allowing group members with Bevy devices to message each other.
Meanwhile, satellite service enables contact outside of the network to EMS or loved ones at home.
Mesh network
Communication and navigation within network enables group coordination and communication
Satellite coverage
Ensures the ability to message family or activate search and response anywhere, at any time
Magsafe compatible
Device magnetically connects to the back of an Iphone, or any phone with a magnetic case
Gear loop
SOS and charge cover
Waterproof buttons
