The Hövding Invisible Bike Helmet
Biking is rising in popularity and we are starting to see bike-related design everywhere. One thing that always (or is always supposed to) goes along with biking is helmets. I don't care how much safer you are while wearing them, helmets are awful. An invisible helmet would be wonderful...if only it were possible. This video, The Invisible Bicycle Helmet | Fredrik Gertten from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo, blew my mind. Evidently, an invisible helmet is possible, and Swedish company Hövding was the one who created it.I hate helmets because they are big, bulky, ugly, uncomfortable, and mess up my hair. No one looks good in a helmet. Thankfully for my pride, Hövding proved that I am not the only one with these concerns, and a change to the standard bike helmet was a need. The creativity and ingenuity of the Hövding is amazing. It just goes to show what can be created when you work to solve a problem by stepping out of the conventional "obvious" solutions.Hövding invisible helmet was created as an industrial design master's thesis by founders Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin. They wanted to find a helmet that people would be happy to wear. After studying the science behind helmets, physics, and conducting many tests, they came up with the "airbag for cyclists." The helmet is worn like a brace around that neck that can be accesorised with a variety of covers that Hövding sells. After fully charged via a USB enabled plug, the helmet is turned on once zipped up on the neck. If it is in an accident, a sensor with an algorithm to help it determine the difference between regular biking and an accident, sets off the gas inflator and causes the helmet airbag to expel. The gas is a cold gas helium and the hood in made of ultra-strong nylon fabric that is rip proof even when scraped on the ground. The helmet covers the whole head, leaving just the eyes uncovered and provides show absorption for multiple head impacts in the accident.Though the price is a little high for your everyday recreational bike rider (especially since once the airbag goes off it can't be reused), I am sure different manufacturing techniques and technological advances will lower the price point over time. What do you think? Would you wear it, or are you happy sticking with your traditional helmet?
