QUA
A one-lens goggle that utilizes AR technology and GPS sensor to provide haenyeo divers with efficient harvesting solutions and keep them safe in case of an emergency under a harsh underwater environment.
Project Type
Product Design / Safety Equipment / UI/UX
Team
Individual Project
AR Display Haenyeo Diving Goggle
Who are Haenyeo ?
Haenyeo (해녀) or ‘women of the sea’ are female divers from the Korean province of Jeju Island, mostly over the age of 50, who specialize in free-diving to harvest seafood, such as abalone, sea urchins, octopus, and squid, without using any breathing equipment. The haenyeo tradition dates back to the 17th century and is believed to have originated with the indigenous women of Jeju Island.
Problem
Free-diving cause many deleterious hazards, which include having to endure harsh weather conditions throughout the year while harvesting a variety of seafood such as seaweed, abalone, and conch. Due to their job, many of them suffer from decompression sickness and shallow water blackout.
Decision Making
Shallow Water Blackout
Cold Environment
Research and Analysis
Research was focused on the work environment and the types of equipment used by Haenyeo, aiming to identify potential design opportunities and limitations.
Haenyeo’s culture and work rules
Equipments
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Village-based organizational structure that operates in small teams.
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Work together in designated harvesting areas on specific days.
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The boat is driven by the captain or an experienced Haenyeo.
Diving goggles known as “Wangnun” is a single lens underwater goggle that provides haenyeo with a wider field of view.
Harvesting tools are used to pick sea food: Bitchang, Homaeng-i (hand hoe for picking sea food), Jaksal(stick for spearing fish), and Jeonggehomi( sickle for collecting seaweed).
User Journey
By mapping the user journey, I analyzed the interactions between users and the product to identify key points for enhancing the user experience.
Product Overview
Based on the research, the final design focused on preserving the traditional, environmentally friendly work practices of Haenyeo while integrating modern technology to create a safer and more efficient working environment. AR, GPS, and motion detection technologies were incorporated to develop a goggle that enhances the harvesting experience. Additionally, an application was designed to track the real-time location and status of the entire Haenyeo team, enabling immediate response in case of emergencies.
Qua goggle consists of AR technology, tempered lens, mouth guard, silicone skirt and strap, which can be connected with bluetooth pairing using the tracking app. Pairing any one goggle with the app automatically pairs all goggles registered in the account.
AR Display Features
The display shows key information such as battery, dive time, and sea level, helping divers monitor their dive duration and prevent holding their breath too long while guiding them to ascend safely. It includes an AI-based map that highlights areas with abundant seafood and marks team members’ locations for easy navigation. Divers can pin and save harvesting spots, enabling them to easily return to previous locations. The goggles also detect hand gestures to mark completed spots and request help in emergency situations.
Pin spots where user left off before going up to take a breath guided by navigation.
Hand Gesture Detection
Marks current location as complete when harvesting in the are is finished.
Detects emergency and automatically requests SOS to 911 and app user.
UX/UI Design
1. Pairing QUA
The users can pair the QUA devices before the trip.
2. Real-time Map and Displays
The users can view the map of the harvesting spots, real-time locations of the boat and divers, along with real-time displays and status of divers during the trip.
3. Past Recordings
Past recordings of the real-time divers’ displays.
4. SOS
The system automatically detects SOS requests sent by the divers, showing location of the diver in real time camera. 911 can also be requested through app.
