Problem
Problem
Running is a widely popular activity people of all ages participate in, whether it be for sport, fitness, or simply for fun. However, because we enjoy running so much, we often forget the risks that come with running by oneself, especially at night.
A study states that roughly 46% of female runners have experienced some form of general harassment while running, while 9.5% of female runners have experienced unwanted physical harassment or direct physical contact while out running. No matter the percentage, this is obviously a problem. While there are a handful of products on the market that runners can rely on when encountering nefarious actors, there are risks associated to using those item, such as them being taken and used against owner, or them simply not having other options in case one deterrent fails.
This is the opportunity that needs to be acted upon in the design. I want to design a runner’s self defense tool that has multiple ways to deter bad actors, that also function as a trail light to illuminate dark paths at night. This product is designed with female runners in mind, but can be used by any gender, age, or physical build.
Product Research & Goals
Product Research & Goals
After visiting various sporting good stores and browsing Amazon looking at self-defense products for runners, I came across a few that I think represent the current market thoroughly. These consists of mace/pepper spray, tasers, tactical flashlights, pocket knives, trail lights, and laceration/puncture based weapons.
Pepper spray (or mace), is used as a ranged deterrent against aggressors. It consists of capsaicin liquid or gel spray that is aimed at the targets face and sprayed to cause temporary blindness, burning, and disorientation.
Tasers are handheld device that are used to shock aggressors when they get into arms reach.
Tactical flashlights are high lumen lights that have an aggressive edge that is used to strike.
Pocket knives are simply that, knives that fold to fit in one’s pocket.
Trail lights are lights specifically designed for runners to hold out in front of them to illuminate trails while running. They typically aren’t used for self-defense, but can be used as a blunt striking object, one in each hand.
Lastly, there are multiple laceration/puncture based items on the market. These include knife rings, and Tigerclaw objects that resemble sharp brass knuckles used to cut, scratch, and lacerate.
Each of these products do provide some level of self-defense, but they do have their weaknesses.
Pepperspray can backfire and be blown back into the users eyes if spraying against the wind, and it requires decent aim. Tasers can be taken from the user and used against them, which is the same for tactical flashlights and pocket knives. Trail lights won’t really provide enough of an impact against an aggressor, especially someone larger than the user. The puncture based weapons are decent, but require accuracy, and may just upset the aggressor more.
Knowing all of this, a new product can be designed that combines the pros of each, and refines them to provide a handled arsenal of plausible deterrents.
Ideation and Prototyping
Ideation and Prototyping
KIIMBA comes from the word “Akimbo”, which means dual-wielding in pop-culture. It also means the stance in which arms are resting on the hips with elbows bent at the sides, signifying impatience. I believe this embodies the product perfectly, and puts power into the hand of the user, literally. Incorporating three methods of self defense gives the runner options to use during various phases of aggression, and even distances. This product covers long, mid, and close ranges. The 300 decibel personal alarm covers all ranges, putting pressure on the user to flee before anyone arrives to assist the runner. The trail light has 3 use modes; basic trail lighting, 1000 lumen flood light, and 1000 lumen strobe light, to blind and disorient the aggressor at long to mid range. Lastly, the Kubotan tip acts as a last resort to gouge at the aggressors face, causing intense pain if landed in the eye, nose, or teeth.
Next Steps
Next Steps
During each phase, a concept was selected to be iterated upon. Each phase also included a prototyping and review stage. The prototypes ranged from altered goods, blue foam models, resin casts and 3D prints. The above image shows the progression of the concept and the evolution it took throughout the 2 months. It started as a glove, and eventually developed into the final concept, that of which was named KIIMBA, a runner’s self-defense multitool.
Final Design
Final Design
KIIMBA is a runner’s self-defense multitool that incorporates trail lights with three different modes, an emergency alarm to alert others to your position, and a jabbing tool used to gouge at the aggressors face.
A multitude of concepts and forms were explored through ideation sketches. This was conducted in 4 phases over the span of 2 months. The various solutions explored can be seen through this compilation page of a few selected sketches.
A functional prototype was in process during the initial development phase of KIIMBA, but financial restrictions prevented this from happening. The drawings and models were prepped for quoting and molding purposes. Once proper funds are received, the prototyping of this product will then proceed.
