A hiking stick that helps friends find each other on a hiking trail.

Kane

3,409

Search and Rescue Missions made in National Parks (2014)

42%

of the rescued were casual day hikers

1,431

in trouble because of insufficient information

WHERE??

WAIT

Many casual hikers tend to rely on their phones to communicate and locate each other. However, most hiking trails don't have any phone service or GPS. People are getting lost and separated.

Where's Earl?

Earl is about to go to a casual hike with his friends. However, he came very late and his friends went on ahead. He now has to try to follow the trail to hopefully find them. The trail has no reception so he can’t contact them to find them. The trail splits in many ways so he will have to find the correct turns to make. Animals can move any markers that his friends could leave. How could he find his friends?

Rough and Sketchy

Ideation sketches and mockups focusing on different ways to detach trackers to attach to a forest hiking trail. Trying different ways of attaching the phone to the main piece. Eventually deciding on a hiking stick.

Inspiration

The simple yet playful pop of a Pez dispenser is very satisfying as well as familiar. Pez's history also gives the interaction also gives a sense of nostalgia and fun.

Stick with me

The hiking stick is one of the most common items to take to trails. Earl's friends are likely to already carry one on the trip. He can also use the hiking stick to support his movement through the forest.

EXPLORATION

Feel it Through

Exploring different kinds of hiking sticks including a large staff, baton, and a cane. Each rendition had a different form of tracker. What would the interaction would be. Pop? Pump? Plunge? Pull? Each model also had a different kind of grip to explore ergonomics.