Industrial

Concussion In Sport

CONI is a concussion diagnosis headset that is highly usable, objective and provides detailed analysis for sideline medics. CONI enables medics to be supplied with a tool that can be able to diagnose an athlete’s concussion in 5-7 minutes while obtaining quick and accurate information with regard to the athlete’s condition. This is to prevent athletes from returning to play too early, avoiding the potential of exacerbating brain injury.

Matthew Smith

what is coni?

CONI also aims to obtain quick and accurate information with regard to the athlete’s condition. In order for the athlete to be provided with an in-depth assessment, giving them enough information to make a justified decision. So if the athlete chooses not to see a doctor, they know enough about their condition to not return back to sport too quickly. The medic simply attaches CONI onto the athlete’s head where the test is conducted. The test utilizes reaction-based technique that is displayed through Augmented Reality onto the frosted glass visor in the headset.

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how does it fit into the current scenario?

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coni features

This new device incorporates a new system additionally consisting of an app that allows test results from the headset to be viewed and sent away to the athlete’s doctor or the athlete. This app also offers a memory and balance test that don’t require in the scenario that the athlete is unable to wear the headset.

CONI streamlines the concussion assessment context for both medic and athlete preventing medics from being rushed into making generalized assessments, therefore, preventing athletes from returning to play early. The overall aim of the new system is to prompt medics to easily send assessments directly to doctors so they can know more about the athlete’s concussion. This system offers a trustworthy improvement to what is currently provided in the current context.

So, how does this headset provide a quick, easy, detailed diagnosis? The headset utilizes eye-monitoring technology and heads up display internally. Combined together with reaction-based testing, it provides an assessment in which objects flash up on the visor and the athlete moves their eyes to accurately and quicker look at the object displayed. Objects (circle, square, triangle) were chosen as they are commonly used in other concussion tests to identify when someone is concussed. This test along with calibration will take 5-7minutes. An example of how this test is played can be seen in the first video.

Data is analyzed through an algorithm that’s constructed on the basis of how accurately the athlete’s eye position is within relation to the object that’s displayed on the visor. This is through area brackets that surround the displayed object. If the eye position is in the first area, the athlete is fine. The second area resembles that the athlete has a mild concussion, where the third outermost area is when the athlete has a severe concussion. This process offers a system that can provide a diagnosis independently without needing to analyze the athlete for 30mins, which is the current technique used, thus reducing time in assessment and providing an easy to use product that can destress the medic and provide accurate diagnosis.

User Experience

The headset is designed to have the majority of its touchpoints (on/off, play/stop, etc.) so it can be highly accessible for the medic to reach and interact with. The buttons are also designed to be out of the way of the athlete’s hands when holding the sides. The headset accommodates a concussion diagnosis light below the battery level lights to notify medics of the athlete’s diagnosis as soon as the reaction-based test is completed. The light signal 3 different colours on the athletes diagnosis (red = severe concussion, yellow = mild concussion, green = no concussion).

CONI App

An app is integrated into the headset where data is transferred from the headset to the app for the medic to see and showcase to the athlete. The data can also be sent to the athlete’s doctor so they can know more about the concussion than just relying on the subjective analysis of the athlete. The app offers a memory and balance test if the athlete is unable to wear the headset.

CONI Material Composition

Materials were selected based on durability, weather resistance, comfort, ergonomics while showcasing a sporting aesthetic. As each headset would be exposed to the elements for the majority of its lifetime and worn on a variety of athletes on a weekly basis. The overall durability of the materials is crucial as the headset will likely experience drops, varying weather conditions, dirt, and other impacts during use.

Overall aesthetics were considered as well in providing a product that does suit the sports product aesthetic, this is where the introduction of synthetic fiber fabric on the part of the headset that comes most in contact with the athlete’s hands. This fiber also acts as grips and be comfortable for the athlete when holding.

CONI Hygiene

Hygiene is a crucial part of the sporting context, and how CONI supports hygiene is through incorporating an interchangeable and removable hygiene pad. This pad comprises medical-grade silicon to support multiple uses but also can be easily cleaned/sanitized by the medic after the athlete has used the headset. The pad is attached via velcro to the headset to support an easy application and removal.

CONI Strapping

In order to fit multiple age groups and sizes the strapping in the headset is inspired by the ease of use within swim goggles in how they are adjusted at the front sides. The headset utilizes this functionality as seen in the photo to allow medics to pull the sidebands when fitting the headset, to be as quick and easy as possible. The bands used in the design come from ski goggles for their ability to stretch to fit, requiring a minimal amount of adjustment. The back part combines both straps to allow the medic to adjust the top strap.

CONI Packaging

The CONI carry case offers sideline medics an easier way of transporting the headset around the playing field or offer protection when not in use. The case also offers inductive charging, which allows the headset to be charged in-between uses during the day to guarantee the headset will last multiple uses.

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further images of coni

Name
CONI Presentation Poster
File Type
application
File Size
5 MB
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Name
Honours Research Report
File Type
File Size
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CONI will enable sideline medics to be able to complete concussion diagnoses without the pressure of time and confusion that they currently face. Enabling them to provide an educative experience to athletes on their condition while also providing an in-depth assessment, being able to prevent players from returning to the sport too early. The supporting system alleviates the pain of not having a user-friendly data presenter while also being able to send assessments straight to the doctor. All these design elements create a design solution that aims to improve the current concussion context that safeguards the next generation of athletes.

Matthew Smith

I am an enthusiastic and motivated designer who is eager to expand my knowledge into new areas of design. I foresee myself designing in R&D and UX within Industrial Design. I am also interested in Graphic Design and Architecture I also have international experience in visiting some of the biggest firms and companies in Japan and Germany.