What is it?

A field hockey goalkeeper (or field player) training deflective mat.

What does the product do?

Balls will be hit at the D’FLECTA mat which alter ball directions in both height and width. This simulates match shot deflections and helps train reaction times and hand eye coordination of goalkeepers.

Picture Gallery

The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed..

Further Information

This project was part of my final year University project. On completion of my degree I worked with New Zealand based market leaders OBO to launch 3 new products including theD’FLECTA mat, BOBBLA ball and FLICKA stick onto the world hockey market creating a new product range called OBO Training. The products launched on 1st December 2009 and are on sale in 62 countries.

Video of the product in action:

Whats the feedback?

Here soon

What is it?

An egg shaped ball for training field hockey goalkeepers or outfield players.

What does the product do?

The ball is designed to be hit or rolled along the floor at the goalkeeper. The egg shape makes the ball bounce and bobble randomly making routine saves much more complex. It encourages the fundamental of getting your body behind the ball. Also a useful tool for reaction training and outfield warm up and dribbling drills.

Picture Gallery

The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed..

Further Information

This project was part of my final year University project. On completion of my degree I worked with New Zealand based market leaders OBO to launch 3 new products including theD’FLECTA mat, BOBBLA ball and FLICKA stick onto the world hockey market creating a new product range called OBO Training. The products launched on 1st December 2009 and are on sale in 62 countries.

Video of the product in action:

Whats the feedback?

Here soon

What is it?

A stick to help coaches train field hockey goalkeepers.

What does the product do?

This stick allows a coach, player or parent to flick the ball easily at the goalkeeper. The speed is controlled by the user and can be used softly for beginners using their hands and more power for advanced keepers simulating top level drag flicks. Its also heaps of fun for outfielders to play with!

Picture Gallery

The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed..

Further Information

This project was part of my final year University project. On completion of my degree I worked with New Zealand based market leaders OBO to launch 3 new products including theD’FLECTA mat, BOBBLA ball and FLICKA stickonto the world hockey market creating a new product range called OBO Training. The products launched on 1st December 2009 and are on sale in 62 countries.

Video of the product in action

Whats the feedback?

“An excellent stick, great fun to use and can be used at the highest level.” Simon, Rugby Link

“This stick is brilliant, my keepers are really enjoying been challenged with drag flicks. It does take a while to get used to it but once you do its so simple to use. Great invention!” Caroline, Foxrock Link

OBO Helmet Paint Job Design Competition

Competition Brief:

“Not only do you need to be making the saves but you need to be looking cool while you do it. So here’s a competition to get your creative minds in action. We want you to design a paint job for a helmet.

Let your imagination run wild create a design where if you saw it in a shop you would just have to buy it…a design that makes you feel like a champion when you use it…something you can be proud to wear around on your head, because when you are feeling confident you become an even more amazing goal keeper!!!”

My Competition Entry

No Blood from this stone…

About the concept:

The name ”No Blood from this stone” implies that the helmet is so strong that it cannot break or injure the goalkeeper; instilling confidence and belief with the wearer.

Sadly i didn’t win, but view the winning design by Lizzie Holmes here.

What is it?

An educational learning product teaching key stage 3 (age 9-12) about energy transfers.

Whats inside?

The Turn ‘N’ Learn used “U-Turn” technology provided by Blackbox AV to generate power for the interactive learning kiosk. Custom build led banks  guided the user through the relevant pictures.

The User Experience

Power up the “U-Turn” by turning the handle in a circular motion until the LED flash red.

Using the kinetic energy provided by the user, the pre-recorded audio track will begin to play through the built in U-Turn speaker.

The information given within the audio demonstrates different energy transfers. Summary of audio content;

The sun has provided energy through photosynthesis for plants grow,  humans eat food for energy and are using the energy to wind the handle to give the U-Turn power to play the message.

The Turn ‘N’ Learn audio demonstrates in an interactive manner how energy can be wasted during conversions using thermo paper displaying heat transfer. This proved extremely popular with children’s playful manner.

Testing

The final concept received rigorous user testing from Oldcastle Junior school and evaluation from Techniquest’s Research and Development head Rob White. The project was selected to attend the Welsh A-Level Design Awards in 2004 where the interactive nature proved a hit and Turn ‘N’ Learn was marked as an exemplar student A-Level project.

Where is it now?

On completion of the project the product was donated to the Gwilli Railway. More info here soon.