Scott Sports - Case Study

Scott Sports.
Aero Helmet.

We partnered with Scott Sports to create the first human-centric aero helmet - which meant creating a product that was not only protective, but also smart.

Overview.

For the win(d).

Scott Sports approached us to design a new time trial cycling helmet. The ask? More speed, more aero, more podiums.

Time Trial racing is essentially the 100m dash for cycling, and it's revered by historic races like the Tour de France. However, every racer is required to wear something that slows them down – a helmet.

Over 18 months, we designed and developed the Scott Split Plus Cycling Helmet that launched in the 2019 Tour de France. Collaborating with Scott Sports and their aerodynamics partner, Huge created and tested hundreds of concepts and prototypes before launching the first human-centric aero helmet, which Annemiek van Vleuten rode to her 2019 victory in the Giro d’Italia.

Reel.

Scott Sports.

01:08

Play.

Work.

Physical design.
Research.
Strategy.

Challenge.

Our data-infused research started in the wind-tunnel and revealed one paradox: high-tech helmets didn’t work for anyone-unless they kept perfect form. But riders don't just look straight ahead, they glance down at computers, adjust their position to battle sidewinds and dip their heads to find strength.

So we reprioritized, and put human behaviour at the top, instead of equipment design. We then started reshaping a helmet in service of the rider and would save precious watts in return.

Unlocking data intelligence on the road.

In order to optimize their cycling perfomance, pro-riders often train in a wind tunnel or similarly controlled environment with an aerodynamics expert and statistical dashboard. Huge wanted to help the average triathlon rider train like they had their own wind tunnel. The “Aero Coach” accesory was designed to communicate the effectiveness of a rider's aerodynamic form on the road. We installed an IMU sensor in a helmet accesory and connected it to live stats like speed, power and CDAs, bringing predictive, real-life data to a rider’s training regime.

Approach.

To unlock time savings features, we shifted our focus towards real-life rider behavior. We compressed the teardrop shaped helmet into a more forgiving form. Riders could behave more naturally on the road with little aero penalty.

New features like soft EVA ears, venturi ventilation, and an articulating eyewear garage were also designed to keep riders cool, comfortable and fast in time trial and triathlon races.

Outcomes.

80%

Power generated to overcome aerodynamic drag.

Average minutes saved.

National, World, and Giro Rosa wins.

Aero Coach.

In order to optimize their cycling performance, pro-riders often train in a wind tunnel or controlled environment with an aerodynamics expert and statistical dashboard. Huge wanted to help the amateur riders also train like they had their own wind tunnel.

The “Aero Coach'' accessory was conceived by our industrial designers to communicate the effectiveness of your aerodynamic form while on the road. We installed an IMU sensor in a helmet accessory and connected it to live stats like speed, power, and CDA’s, bringing predictive, real-life training data to a riders fingertips.

Train like you're in a wind tunnel.

Training on the road with the knowledge of a wind tunnel creates streamlined body positioning habits that benefit riders on race day.

Triathlon riders take their sunglasses on and off, this process was made faster and easier with the new eyewear garage design. Those few seconds for a triathlete, could change the race.