2021
VibeWay
Designed to empower visually impaired individuals with safe and independent navigation in daily life.
AI
UIUX
Industrial Design
Parametric design
Start a new way of life
Designed to empower visually impaired individuals with safe and independent navigation in daily life.
My role in the project
I worked with Shryas Bhurat, and Sun-Q Kim to design Vibeway, a smart shoe system integrating sensor technology and a companion mobile app to enhance user experience for visually impaired people. We worked in four sprints: (1) Research & Ideation, (2) Industrial & System Design, (3) Prototyping & Fabrication, (4) UI/UX Development & Testing, and (5) Engineering & Coding. As a design manager and lead designer (1-4) for the team. I initiated the project idea and led the overall design direction, transformed research insights into a 3D shoe design and iterating on the midsole structure for optimal comfort and functionality. In the later stages, I contributed to prototype fabrication, ensuring the physical product aligned with our intended user experience, and developed high-fidelity renderings to visualize the final product. Additionally, I designed the mobile app interface, focusing on intuitive interaction and seamless integration with the smart shoe system.
Problem
An estimated 79 million visually impaired people worldwide rely on canes, guide dogs, apps, or smart glasses to navigate, but they often face mental and environmental challenges in daily life.
Based on interviews and research, we identified that the main challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when navigating include:
Lack of tactile paving
Poorly maintained or under-construction pathways
Blocked tactile paths due to parked vehicles
Unintentional contact with pedestrians when using a cane.
A sense of social stigma when navigating with a cane, even when following designated tactile paths.
Guide dogs require extensive training and maintenance, which can be extremely expensive, making them inaccessible to many individuals.
High-tech products like smart glasses are expensive and rely on audio feedback, which can interfere with blind individuals' ability to interpret their surroundings through hearing.
Solution
We developed smart shoes that replace the traditional cane, allowing visually impaired individuals to navigate more independently and confidently.
This reduces reliance on expensive and maintenance-intensive tactile paving infrastructure and high-cost guide dogs, which are often insufficient to meet market demand.
Concept
VibeWay smart shoes integrate GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and haptic feedback to provide real-time directional guidance. The companion mobile app allows users to capture photos or record videos to analyze content using AI, enhancing environmental awareness.
Existing navigation solutions for visually impaired individuals, such as canes, smartphone apps, and smart harnesses, often rely on audio feedback or GPS but lack real-time obstacle detection or multi-sensory guidance. Vibeway sets itself apart by combining GPS, haptic feedback, and AI-driven environmental analysis, providing precise, real-time navigation while preserving sensory awareness in complex urban settings.
System Architecture
The diagrams below outlines the system architecture for the navigation smart shoes and the companion AI App.
VibeWay smart shoes system architecture
VibeWay AI APP system architecture
Shoe Design Ideation & Sketch
Smart Navigation Shoes
When an obstacle such as a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, the shoes notify the user through specific vibration patterns. As the user walks through different road environments, such as intersections, the smart shoes provide tactile feedback through the soles to convey directional and environmental information.
Tactile Paving
Based on the principles of traditional tactile paving, I designed six distinct feedback patterns to help visually impaired individuals understand the type of surface they are walking on. Traditional tactile paving is often limited by width and installation constraints, but with Vibeway smart shoes, any surface can effectively become tactile paving through haptic feedback. This enables more flexible and accessible navigation, even in areas lacking proper tactile paving infrastructure.
Tactile refers to the sense of touch, and therefore tactile paving is paving that conveys information to users via that sense of touch. This is most commonly achieved by having a distinctive raised profile that can be detected by users, such as ‘ribs’ running across the paving, or ‘spots’ that create a bumpy surface. The key element with tactile paving is that different surface profiles are intended to denote different hazards, and these are outlined below.
For more details about tactile paving, visit PavingExpert.
Shoe Prototype
Shoe Prototype
我们先根据foot pressure map设计好电路，通过激光切割找准形状，再通过3d建模完成用于测试的设计，这里由于材料种类和大小的限制，我们调整了一些设计
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
中间部分设计打印测试
Shoe Prototype
Shoe Prototype
我先根据foot pressure map设计好电路，通过激光切割找准形状，再通过3d建模完成用于测试的设计，这里由于材料种类和大小的限制，我们调整了一些设计
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
中间部分设计打印测试
最下面部分设计打印测试
APP Design
APP Design
根据。。。的需要，我们设计了一款AI APP来辅助导航，并开发了后端
具体解释应用场景
Learnings
Learnings
Computational design and 3D printing challenge
When I joined Reia, it was just a concept—an idea waiting to be developed into a fully functional Web Portal and VR experience that the Clinicians and patients would actually use. One of the most fascinating aspects for me was running A/B tests on different user interfaces. It was incredible to see how even small changes like how progress is visualized or how rewards are framed could affect user engagement and outcomes.
Leading a team
Working closely with engineers, taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Each team had its own priorities, insights, and goals, which often led to spirited discussions where we had to align our visions and find a common path forward. The challenge was not just in sharing ideas, but in listening, compromising, and finding solutions that balanced creativity and technical feasibility. It reinforced for me that great products are born not from individual effort, but from a collective passion and dedication to a shared vision. This informed a foundation for the app's design, guiding decisions throughout the process.
More Works
(GQ® — 02)
©2024
More Works
(GQ® — 02)
©2024
FAQ
FAQ
01
What tools and technologies used in the project?
02
What is your inpiration?
03
How does the product stand out from the market? What is the result from compatible research?
04
What do you want to improve in the future?
01
What tools and technologies used in the project?
02
What is your inpiration?
03
How does the product stand out from the market? What is the result from compatible research?
04
What do you want to improve in the future?
2021
VibeWay
Hi, I am Quinn® I’m a passionate and innovative 3D designer with over a decade of experience in the field. My journey began with a fascination.
AI
UIUX
Industrial Design
Parametric design
Start a new way of life
Designed to empower visually impaired individuals with safe and independent navigation in daily life.
My role in the project
I worked with Shryas Bhurat, and Sun-Q Kim to design Vibeway, a smart shoe system integrating sensor technology and a companion mobile app to enhance user experience for visually impaired people. We worked in four sprints: (1) Research & Ideation, (2) Industrial & System Design, (3) Prototyping & Fabrication, (4) UI/UX Development & Testing, and (5) Engineering & Coding. As a design manager and lead designer (1-4) for the team. I initiated the project idea and led the overall design direction, transformed research insights into a 3D shoe design and iterating on the midsole structure for optimal comfort and functionality. In the later stages, I contributed to prototype fabrication, ensuring the physical product aligned with our intended user experience, and developed high-fidelity renderings to visualize the final product. Additionally, I designed the mobile app interface, focusing on intuitive interaction and seamless integration with the smart shoe system.
Problem
An estimated 79 million visually impaired people worldwide rely on canes, guide dogs, apps, or smart glasses to navigate, but they often face mental and environmental challenges in daily life.
Based on interviews and research, we identified that the main challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when navigating include:
Lack of tactile paving
Poorly maintained or under-construction pathways
Blocked tactile paths due to parked vehicles
Unintentional contact with pedestrians when using a cane.
A sense of social stigma when navigating with a cane, even when following designated tactile paths.
Guide dogs require extensive training and maintenance, which can be extremely expensive, making them inaccessible to many individuals.
High-tech products like smart glasses are expensive and rely on audio feedback, which can interfere with blind individuals' ability to interpret their surroundings through hearing.
Solution
We developed smart shoes that replace the traditional cane, allowing visually impaired individuals to navigate more independently and confidently.
This reduces reliance on expensive and maintenance-intensive tactile paving infrastructure and high-cost guide dogs, which are often insufficient to meet market demand.
Concept
VibeWay smart shoes integrate GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and haptic feedback to provide real-time directional guidance. The companion mobile app allows users to capture photos or record videos to analyze content using AI, enhancing environmental awareness.
Existing navigation solutions for visually impaired individuals, such as canes, smartphone apps, and smart harnesses, often rely on audio feedback or GPS but lack real-time obstacle detection or multi-sensory guidance. Vibeway sets itself apart by combining GPS, haptic feedback, and AI-driven environmental analysis, providing precise, real-time navigation while preserving sensory awareness in complex urban settings.
System Architecture
The diagrams below outlines the system architecture for the navigation smart shoes and the companion AI App.
VibeWay smart shoes system architecture
VibeWay AI APP system architecture
Shoe Design Ideation & Sketch
Smart Navigation Shoes
When an obstacle such as a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, the shoes notify the user through specific vibration patterns. As the user walks through different road environments, such as intersections, the smart shoes provide tactile feedback through the soles to convey directional and environmental information.
Tactile Paving
Based on the principles of traditional tactile paving, I designed six distinct feedback patterns to help visually impaired individuals understand the type of surface they are walking on. Traditional tactile paving is often limited by width and installation constraints, but with Vibeway smart shoes, any surface can effectively become tactile paving through haptic feedback. This enables more flexible and accessible navigation, even in areas lacking proper tactile paving infrastructure.
Tactile refers to the sense of touch, and therefore tactile paving is paving that conveys information to users via that sense of touch. This is most commonly achieved by having a distinctive raised profile that can be detected by users, such as ‘ribs’ running across the paving, or ‘spots’ that create a bumpy surface. The key element with tactile paving is that different surface profiles are intended to denote different hazards, and these are outlined below.
For more details about tactile paving, visit PavingExpert.
Shoe Prototype
我们先根据foot pressure map设计好电路，通过激光切割找准形状，再通过3d建模完成用于测试的设计，这里由于材料种类和大小的限制，我们调整了一些设计
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
中间部分设计打印测试
Shoe Prototype
我先根据foot pressure map设计好电路，通过激光切割找准形状，再通过3d建模完成用于测试的设计，这里由于材料种类和大小的限制，我们调整了一些设计
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
中间部分设计打印测试
最下面部分设计打印测试
APP Design
根据。。。的需要，我们设计了一款AI APP来辅助导航，并开发了后端
具体解释应用场景
Learnings
Computational design and 3D printing challenge
When I joined Reia, it was just a concept—an idea waiting to be developed into a fully functional Web Portal and VR experience that the Clinicians and patients would actually use. One of the most fascinating aspects for me was running A/B tests on different user interfaces. It was incredible to see how even small changes like how progress is visualized or how rewards are framed could affect user engagement and outcomes.
Leading a team
Working closely with engineers, taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Each team had its own priorities, insights, and goals, which often led to spirited discussions where we had to align our visions and find a common path forward. The challenge was not just in sharing ideas, but in listening, compromising, and finding solutions that balanced creativity and technical feasibility. It reinforced for me that great products are born not from individual effort, but from a collective passion and dedication to a shared vision. This informed a foundation for the app's design, guiding decisions throughout the process.
More Works
(GQ® — 02)
©2024
FAQ
01
What tools and technologies used in the project?
02
What is your inpiration?
03
How does the product stand out from the market? What is the result from compatible research?
04
What do you want to improve in the future?
2021
VibeWay
Hi, I am Rosa® I’m a passionate and innovative 3D designer with over a decade of experience in the field. My journey began with a fascination.
AI
UIUX
Industrial Design
Parametric design
Start a new way of life
Designed to empower visually impaired individuals with safe and independent navigation in daily life.
My role in the project
I worked with Shryas Bhurat, and Sun-Q Kim to design Vibeway, a smart shoe system integrating sensor technology and a companion mobile app to enhance user experience for visually impaired people. We worked in four sprints: (1) Research & Ideation, (2) Industrial & System Design, (3) Prototyping & Fabrication, (4) UI/UX Development & Testing, and (5) Engineering & Coding. As a design manager and lead designer (1-4) for the team. I initiated the project idea and led the overall design direction, transformed research insights into a 3D shoe design and iterating on the midsole structure for optimal comfort and functionality. In the later stages, I contributed to prototype fabrication, ensuring the physical product aligned with our intended user experience, and developed high-fidelity renderings to visualize the final product. Additionally, I designed the mobile app interface, focusing on intuitive interaction and seamless integration with the smart shoe system.
Problem
An estimated 79 million visually impaired people worldwide rely on canes, guide dogs, apps, or smart glasses to navigate, but they often face mental and environmental challenges in daily life.
Based on interviews and research, we identified that the main challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when navigating include:
Lack of tactile paving
Poorly maintained or under-construction pathways
Blocked tactile paths due to parked vehicles
Unintentional contact with pedestrians when using a cane.
A sense of social stigma when navigating with a cane, even when following designated tactile paths.
Guide dogs require extensive training and maintenance, which can be extremely expensive, making them inaccessible to many individuals.
High-tech products like smart glasses are expensive and rely on audio feedback, which can interfere with blind individuals' ability to interpret their surroundings through hearing.
Solution
We developed smart shoes that replace the traditional cane, allowing visually impaired individuals to navigate more independently and confidently.
This reduces reliance on expensive and maintenance-intensive tactile paving infrastructure and high-cost guide dogs, which are often insufficient to meet market demand.
Concept
VibeWay smart shoes integrate GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and haptic feedback to provide real-time directional guidance. The companion mobile app allows users to capture photos or record videos to analyze content using AI, enhancing environmental awareness.
Existing navigation solutions for visually impaired individuals, such as canes, smartphone apps, and smart harnesses, often rely on audio feedback or GPS but lack real-time obstacle detection or multi-sensory guidance. Vibeway sets itself apart by combining GPS, haptic feedback, and AI-driven environmental analysis, providing precise, real-time navigation while preserving sensory awareness in complex urban settings.
System Architecture
The diagrams below outlines the system architecture for the navigation smart shoes and the companion AI App.
VibeWay smart shoes system architecture
VibeWay AI APP system architecture
Shoe Design Ideation & Sketch
Smart Navigation Shoes
When an obstacle such as a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, the shoes notify the user through specific vibration patterns. As the user walks through different road environments, such as intersections, the smart shoes provide tactile feedback through the soles to convey directional and environmental information.
Tactile Paving
Based on the principles of traditional tactile paving, I designed six distinct feedback patterns to help visually impaired individuals understand the type of surface they are walking on. Traditional tactile paving is often limited by width and installation constraints, but with Vibeway smart shoes, any surface can effectively become tactile paving through haptic feedback. This enables more flexible and accessible navigation, even in areas lacking proper tactile paving infrastructure.
Tactile refers to the sense of touch, and therefore tactile paving is paving that conveys information to users via that sense of touch. This is most commonly achieved by having a distinctive raised profile that can be detected by users, such as ‘ribs’ running across the paving, or ‘spots’ that create a bumpy surface. The key element with tactile paving is that different surface profiles are intended to denote different hazards, and these are outlined below.
For more details about tactile paving, visit PavingExpert.
Shoe Prototype
我们先根据foot pressure map设计好电路，通过激光切割找准形状，再通过3d建模完成用于测试的设计，这里由于材料种类和大小的限制，我们调整了一些设计
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
中间部分设计打印测试
Shoe Prototype
我先根据foot pressure map设计好电路，通过激光切割找准形状，再通过3d建模完成用于测试的设计，这里由于材料种类和大小的限制，我们调整了一些设计
The shape of the housing unit is influenced by our study of shelters developed by indigenous nomadic communities, including Bedouin tents, North American tipis and MONGOLIAN YURTS. We saw how the yurt’s shape is similar to the Patheon. The circular form is embracing and inclusive. Our goal was to not to place families in something that felt like their lost homes, but to create new kinds of spaces that feel CALM, INCLUSIVE AND PROTECTED.
中间部分设计打印测试
最下面部分设计打印测试
APP Design
根据。。。的需要，我们设计了一款AI APP来辅助导航，并开发了后端
具体解释应用场景
Learnings
Computational design and 3D printing challenge
When I joined Reia, it was just a concept—an idea waiting to be developed into a fully functional Web Portal and VR experience that the Clinicians and patients would actually use. One of the most fascinating aspects for me was running A/B tests on different user interfaces. It was incredible to see how even small changes like how progress is visualized or how rewards are framed could affect user engagement and outcomes.
Leading a team
Working closely with engineers, taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Each team had its own priorities, insights, and goals, which often led to spirited discussions where we had to align our visions and find a common path forward. The challenge was not just in sharing ideas, but in listening, compromising, and finding solutions that balanced creativity and technical feasibility. It reinforced for me that great products are born not from individual effort, but from a collective passion and dedication to a shared vision. This informed a foundation for the app's design, guiding decisions throughout the process.
More Works
©2024
FAQ
What tools and technologies used in the project?
What is your inpiration?
How does the product stand out from the market? What is the result from compatible research?
What do you want to improve in the future?