Better skate skiing
I was part of a team developing a ski boot support to enhance skate skiing performance and experience. The Wing relaxes muscles on hard surfaces and increases speed by transferring torgue from ankle to the ski. The product was developed for Innon Oy in collaboration with Kirnu Kreativ. The properties were validated by research studies from the University of Jyväskylä and Vuokatti-Ruka Sports Academy. The first version was released to the market in 2019.
Turning passion into a product
After grappling with persistent foot and knee discomfort during skate skiing on icy terrains, a former athlete was driven to find a solution. Despite experimenting with various boot modifications, a real solution required in-depth prototyping and iteration. This passion engaged our design team to work hard on delivering to this vision.
I took on the challenge of transforming initial sketches into detailed 3D models using Fusion 360. Keeping him in the loop was crucial; we tweaked and changed our designs based on his feedback. I kept good track of version documentation to ensure we had the flexibility to revisit any iteration later on.
I was in charge of producing 3D printed prototypes using CAD, and took learnings about material awareness. The work required collaboration with designers and mold engineers during the iterative formgiving process.
Proven benefits
The Wing makes skate skiing more relaxed and stable. It optimizes skiing position and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Studies were conducted by researchers at the University of Jyväskylä and Vuokatti-Ruka Sports Academy.
The Wing relaxes muscles on hard surfaces and increases speed. It gives the decisive advantage over competitors and it's capabilities can be fully realized in skiathlon. First version of the boot support was released to markets during ski season in 2019.
Takeaways
This project taught me a lot about being a freelance designer. I learned how to approachs clients and keep a good relationship with them. Working with other designers showed me how important it is to communicate ideas clearly. The practical knowledge that I gained from material and mold engineering was truly invaluable. It was a hands-on experience that taught me so much about product development.
Team
Product owner: Arto Mattila, Innon Oy
Design & branding: Jouni Silfver, Jukka Kähkönen, Kirnu Kreativ Oy
Design & branding: Jouni Silfver, Jukka Kähkönen, Kirnu Kreativ Oy