The world's fastest helmet.
Scott Sports.
How we did it. Background.
Since the first bicycle race in France over 150 years ago, there has been a human obsession with going faster. The two fastest disciplines are “time trial” racing and triathlons. Time Trial racing is essentially the 100m dash for cycling, averaging speeds over 55km/hr across 27km. These stages are revered by historic races like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. The bar is raised every year for athletic performance, technology, and product innovation. Ironically, every racer is required to wear something that actually slows them down – the helmet. Since creating innovative products is their marketing, Scott Sports asked us for a fix. The brief: More speed, more aero, more podiums. Our timeline was to design, create and launch a revolutionary helmet that in time for the Mitchelton-Scott race team to wear at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
Insight.
We first started by researching the full rider eco-system. We analyzed human behavior, form, training, current equipment design, and aerodynamics data provided by wind tunnel research. It was during these tests of initial helmet design that we discovered the fundamental paradox and key to solving the problem of creating the fastest race helmet in the world. Since the invention of the racing helmet, wind tunnels had defined cycling aerodynamics and helmet design. The commonly accepted design ethos was - “to reduce drag, stay low and still.” So, that's exactly the user behavior helmets were built around. But riders don't act that way. Real riders look ahead at the curves of a road, they get hit with side winds, they dip their heads to find emotional strength, they glance at computers and back at their competition. All of these movements destroyed the aerodynamic nature of classically design race helmets. We reorganized our design approach and put human-centered design at the core of our process. For the first time in helmet design history, we started designing a helmet in service of the rider, not the wind tunnel.
Approach
Using data, testing, prototypes, and rider research as our guide, we discovered that we needed to compress the teardrop-shaped helmet into a more compact form. This created a shape that is aerodynamic in multiple rider positions, not just the one unnatural style used in a wind tunnel. Additional industry-first design features included a venturi ventilation system that perforates the formerly solid shell. This design allows us to pull out excessive heat from inside the helmet, keeping athletes comfortable which improves their performance. Additionally, the venturi system recirculates air improving aerodynamics. The hard, polycarbonate ears were redesigned with soft EVA – a material previously used a footwear cushion material. This addition meant the helmet fit snuggly around the ears, a traditional source of drag in older helmet designs. The head-hugging design is also faster and easier to take on and off in transition moments. An aero-dynamic sunglass storage area was also added. For the first time, riders could now have their eyewear waiting for them in the helmet so there was no longer an aero penalty once removed. Above all, a helmet needs to protect its user. We integrated a new MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) harness into the interior allowing optimum energy absorption for angular impacts. MIPS was been developed by leading brain surgeons and scientists to reduce the rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head.
Unlocking data intelligence on the road.
Campaign overview.
Results.
80%
Power.
Amount of power that a typical rider generates to overcome aerodynamic drag.
27
Minutes.
Average time saved on a racing leg with an Aero helmet (Scott Split Plus) and advanced body positioning.
Press Coverage
Designed a New Bike Helmet that Just Appeared in the Tour de France
AdAge
Redesigned the Cycling Helmet and It's Already Winning in the Tour de France
Little Black Book
This New ‘User-First’ Bike Helmet Made Its Debut at the Tour de France
AdWeek
Redesigned the Cycling Helmet and It's Already Winning in the Tour de France
AdForum
We Tip Our Hats, Er Helmets
Stimulant
