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Warning Arm 

Warning Arm is designed to help notify drivers about car breakdowns, providing a clear and visible signal to ensure the safety of motorists on the road.

Objective: Enhance safety during vehicle breakdowns by enabling drivers to signal hazards without exiting the car, reducing risk.


Research: Identified stress, inefficiencies, and dangers of traditional roadside warning systems through user insights.


Collaboration: Worked with engineers and led a team of designers to create a stable, retractable, and easy-to-use design mounted on the car window.


Development: Focused on user-friendly ergonomics, high-visibility features, and regulatory compliance.

Outcome: Warning Arm simplifies breakdown safety, improving driver confidence and visibility in hazardous conditions.

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Skills: Product Design, Industrial Design, Branding, Research

 

Tools: Solidworks, Illustrator, Photoshop, Keyshot

Discovery

Primary Research

Development

Branding

Discovery

Hazard Response

Despite advances in safety regulations and equipment, the design of the warning triangle has remained largely unchanged. However, modern issues demand a more effective solution. To address this, we are proud to introduce our new warning arm, developed in collaboration with Vgroup. With its modern design and cutting-edge functionality, our warning arm sets a new standard for roadside safety.

1

There are long wait times for assistance.

2

Highway services utilize radar technology and CCTV to detect stopped vehicles and provide assistance efficiently.

3

RCA & AA go to driver or Assistance while also provide smart service.

Optimal Field of View

Visual scenes should be kept simplistic.

Peripheral View 

Focus View 

Central View 

Sign Placement

For optimal visibility, position the solution between 900mm and 1500mm above the road.

Reaction Times

Early warning systems enhance response efficiency by enabling users to react promptly and appropriately.

BS AU 47; 1965       &        Regulation 27

Must be Oil and Water Resistant

Florescent and Reflective Surface

Must include  Protective Cover

Signal Red

Stable for Adverse Conditions

Must be Oil and Water Resistant and outside of vehicle

Concentric equilateral   triangular contours

Red border of retro-reflecting strip

Fluorescent Strip Inner

No sharp edges

Triangle must be verticle in use

Easy to clean

Stable during use

Legislation

ISO710

ISO3864

Color Definition
Red, Orange, and Green are designated for warnings and cautions.

Weather Conditions

Response times increase in adverse weather due to reduced visibility and uncontrollable factors.

Highway Codes

CODE 257/ 258

Amber flashing lights signal temporary speed changes for safety.

CODE 274

Warning triangles are placed 45m on straight roads and 150m on bends, based on road speed and type.

CODE 275 - 278 

Disabled drivers should activate hazard lights, pull left, exit the vehicle, and call emergency services.

Market Analysis

Trend mapping revealed two key insights:

1. Advanced technology will be integrated into the warning system.

2. Vehicles will connect via the Internet of Vehicles.

Future

Trend Mapping

Conducting a trend map revealed two key future insights:

1. Advanced technology will enhance the warning system.

2. Vehicles will connect via the Internet of Vehicles. 

Primary Research

Interview

Focus group interviews assessed drivers' knowledge, awareness, and experiences during breakdowns.

3

Young Drivers

5

Experienced Drivers

2

Vulnerable Drivers

Activity Findings

UK users favored functional accessories and technology to enhance their vehicles, using various attachment methods.

New and inexperienced drivers often lack knowledge.

Breakdowns can make vulnerable individuals feel unsafe.

Experienced drivers trust breakdown services.

Parents prefer to stay in the car with their children during a breakdown.

User Journey

User journey Fog
Use Journey snow
User journey Fog 2

2. There is a lack of communication between on-coming drivers and broken down drivers.

1.Users struggle to navigate breakdowns.

3. On bent roads, warning triangles should be placed around corners, reducing visibility of hazard.

4. Other road users lack emotion/empathy toward broken down vehicles.

Key Emotions

Users feel anxious and vulnerable during breakdowns due to stress and uncertain wait times.

Development

“We all want to be treated as we hopefully treat others” 

Evoking empathy

Ideation

The hinge works both ways, fitting left- and right-hand drives.

140mm

300mm

140mm

Warning arm will fit under car seat.

The roof-mounted warning arm ensures long-range visibility, alerting nearby vehicles of the breakdown.

The warning arm can be installed from inside, enabling assistance without exiting the vehicle.

Retractable arm

Clamped to the 
window of the car

Car window

According to Regulation 27 and BS AU 47; 1965

Branding

Strength

  • Compatible for in-car use with all left- and right-hand drive vehicles globally.

Weakness

  • It can be challenging to engage new users, as many lack awareness and understanding of road safety principles.

SWOT Analysis

 Opportunity

  • An increase in car sales will drive a corresponding rise in warning arm sales.

Threat

  • Competitors may develop more advanced versions of the warning arm.

Stakeholder

Value Proposition

Products And Services

Gain Creators

  • Enhancing product awareness to reduce user anxiety.

  • Easy in-car setup improves safety and minimizes driver hassle.

  • Easy to set up in-car, accessible to all drivers.

  • By offering comprehensive product education and user manuals.

Jobs 

Gains 

  • Adapting to a new product can be challenging.

  • Reducing anxiety

  • Increasing safety

  • Less hassle

Brand Value

Our warning arm enables easy deployment from within the vehicle.

Pain Relivers

Pains 

  • Convenience

  •  Safety

  • Inclusive

Brand Identity

Product

Breakdown Warning Arm 

Environment

Anxious & Scared 

Communications

Attentive

Behaviour

Alert other drivers of the breakdown while waiting for emergency assistance.

Goal

Enhance driver safety during breakdowns while effectively alerting other drivers.

Scope

It removes the need to exit the vehicle, ensuring convenience and ease for users.

Identity

It offers inclusive design for all users, including disabled drivers, with superior stability and durability.

Scenario

Young Drivers

A 20-year-old driver faces a breakdown but, unaware of safety procedures, fails to set up warning equipment and waits for emergency assistance.

Experienced  Drivers

The driver calmly moves the car to the hard shoulder, contacts emergency services, and places a warning triangle 45 meters behind. 

Vulnerable Drivers 

The disabled driver experiences a breakdown, moves to the hard shoulder, and contacts emergency services, unable to exit the vehicle or place a warning sign.  

Situation .png
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