Concept:
Tether is a smart accessory and mobile app that connects families at the beach.
Duration:
11 weeks, 2025
Stay Safe, Stay Tethered
The App
Link up Tethers for a secure safety net via the app.
Scan for working prototype:
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Problem Statement:
Kids have a high risk of drowning at beaches due to parental negligence and a lack of ocean awareness. How can we build confidence for a safer and more enjoyable beach experience?
Research
Needs:
Kimberly needs supervision without stress to relax at the beach. Curly needs a way to play safely in the ocean without her mom at her side.
Pain Points:
Lack of education about beach safety and tide patterns leaves room for Kimberly’s human error, putting her daughter at risk of drowning.
Expectations:
Curly expects to have more freedom while swimming. Kimberly expects to receive constant--but not annoying--notifications about Curly’s location.
84,513 rescues at US beaches per year
Over 80% of water rescues are due to rip currents
Breakdown in adult supervision is the top cause of drowning
Ideation
Design Language: Soft Electronics
Tough, yet approachable. Durable, yet comfortable.
Tether vibrates to alert user when drifting outside of an approved zone.
User presses button to alert others when needing help within zone.
Features
Materials & Manufacturing
high gloss ABS
tactile switch, vibration motor, circuit, transmitter
machined mild steel
coin cell battery
nylon cord
