Garmin Varia Headlamp
Client Garmin International
Disciplines Industrial design, CMF, interaction design
Scope 12 week industrial design and CMF concept
Completed September 2021
A headlamp and taillamp designed to improve safety for runners.
The Garmin Varia Headlamp was an exploratory personal project completed for Garmin International in the summer of 2021. The Varia Headlamp emerged from the task of envisioning the future of a headlamp for Garmin's Fitness business sector.
Project Brief
Design a headlamp for runners.
Focus on safety for the user, including visibility, situational awareness, and communication.
Product Landscape
Design Thematics
Ideation
Initial concept review
Stackup
This stackup was generated using components that are used in Garmin’s current cycling headlamp and taillamp products.
Core Design Features
Pinch switch
The diffuser surface flexes inward—when pinched, it turns the headlamp on and allows the user to toggle through different settings.
Tilt adjustment
The headlamp pivots away from its plastic mounting, allowing the user to position the beam of light.
Length adjustment
The cable connecting the headlamp and taillight accordions, allowing it to stretch. The cable is housed in a knitted sleeve which is laminated to the front of the headlamp.
Charging
The back of the taillight is equipped with a USB C charging port for battery-free recharging.
Padding
Both the headlamp and the taillight are finished with laminated and compression molded foam to ensure comfort for the user.
Incorporated taillight
The taillight is laminated in fabric to integrate it more fully with the headband. This design consideration reduces bounce. The cable connecting the taillight to the headlamp is sealed with seam tape.
Safety Through Technology
Incorporating technology like radar, ambient light sensing, and ecosystem connectivity allowed me to explore innovative safety features made possible through Garmin’s radar and GPS technology.
Radar Technology
A radar module in the PCB of the taillight serves to warn the user about oncoming traffic, and automatically brighten the light to warn cars.
Warn Oncoming Traffic
Garmin Watch Ecosystem
The headlamp incorporates seamlessly. A watch app tracks your location relative to cars and other runners or cyclists sharing the road.
CMF Explorations
Outdoor Market SKU
Takes cues from the bold color blocking and patterning often used in outdoor products. Inspired by the outdoor heritage trend, defined by retro colors and breakups, which has dominated the outdoor market in recent years. This SKU was geared towards the outdoor adventures in Garmin’s client base who may use the headlamp for trail runs, climbing expeditions, or camping trips.
Fitness SKU
Takes cues from streetwear and fitness products. Color accents are used sparsely and patterns are gradiated across the surface of the product. This SKU is geared towards the urban explorer, who may use the headlamp for runs across the city, skating, or cycling.
