DESIGN NAME: EP Series
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Sailing Equipment
INSPIRATION: This series ushers in a new company mandate; making the shift from a manufacturer to a leading performance brand. As a pilot project we were inspired to solve some of the challenges facing athletes in the most extreme water environment; ocean racing. Our approach was focused on simplicity, displaying only what was essential and calling out unique innovation in order to create a strong balance between functionality and desirability.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The EP series is a system of equipment including flotation, outerwear, thermals, hand protection and gear storage designed in parallel. The system works collectively to enhance the performance of elite ocean racing sailors and protect them in the most extreme water environment. The EP series leverages Mustang Survival’s most advanced components in order to promote thermal management, mobility, comfort and confidence enabling athletes to focus on winning the race.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This integrated series is an adaptive system which responds to ever changing ocean environments; whether in the southern ocean, transatlantic crossings or Bermuda racing. This adaptability enables each individual sailor to customize their assortment and adapt as needed which means less stress and fatigue. The simplistic integration of the EP series enables the athlete to focus on their tasks ‘hiking’, ‘grinding’, ‘climbing’ and sail changes because their comfort and protection are fully addressed. The result is a sum greater than its parts; a system benefit that no other line of gear can offer.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started January 2015 and finished in October 2016.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Office Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The inflatable PFD leverages the use of core technology ingredients; Membrane Inflatable Technology™ and Hydrostatic Inflator Technology™
The suite of outerwear utilizes the ingredient MIL SPEC 6.5™ with GORE-TEX® a military grade material proven in lab and field testing to provide more durability.
The thermal layers use a Polyester which wicks sweat away to cool and Merino wool fibers which insulate.
The accessories leverage the materials and processes developed for the other components; ultrasonic welding, urethane taped seams and durable abrasion materials.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 1000 mm x 1000 mm x 1800 mm
TAGS: sailing, flotation, life jacket, outwear, base layers, gloves, ocean, racing, smock, salopette, bibs
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Primary research activities included user observation, interviews and empathy activities, focus group interaction, retailer visits, interview, insights gathering, material lab testing and analysis, prototype user field trials, feedback, revisions and fit trials and grade revisions
Secondary research included precedent studies, competitive landscape analysis, forum reviews, gear reviews, online trends and social media observation.
CHALLENGE: Ocean racing is the most demanding water environment in the world that requires a great deal of adaptability in the equipment. For this project we had to address user needs related to mobility, moisture management, durability, comfort, adaptability and perhaps most important, survival. Each piece of equipment presents its own set of opportunities with a greater need of integration; a system of protection.
ADDED DATE: 2017-03-24 21:12:20
TEAM MEMBERS (8) : Jared Rhind, Cheryl So, Leah Herbison, David Westwood, Alex Kozma, Michaella Londry, Kyle Harland and Kevin Murray
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1 : Photographer Brenndan Laird, Stylist Melody Rhind, 2015.
Image #2 : N/A
Image #3 : Photographer Brenndan Laird, Stylist Melody Rhind, 2015.
Image #4 : Photographer Brenndan Laird, Stylist Melody Rhind, 2015.
Image #5 : Photographer Brenndan Laird, Stylist Melody Rhind, 2015.
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