GARMIN DEFENDER

YEAR: 2024

SCOPE: 12 weeks

BRAND TARGET: Garmin

DISCIPLINES: Industrial Design, Brand Identity, UI/UX Design

OVERVIEW

Garmin Defender is a self-defense smartwatch designed to help female runners stay safe. It features two emergency modes: an alarm mode that triggers a loud siren and flashing LED lights to scare off threats, and a built-in taser for close-contact situations, giving the wearer a chance to escape. Designed for ease and reliability it’s built to give runners confidence and control in uncertain situations.

60% of Women experience sexual harassment on a run regularly. This creates a culture of fear.

It's not new information and has been an occurring, widespread problem. Even though the harassment can be brief, the impact it has on women is prolonged.

Today's self-defense products are not designed for runners.

Portability, Easy Access, Hands-Free, and Seamless Integration with running gear are required. Having these things in mind, why is there not a product that handles both Deterrence and Defense for women?

$$$

Least Effective

Most Effective

CRITERIA

Discreet

Wearable

Quick Access

GARMIN INSPIRED

I came to the conclusion that part of having the product be easy-access is that it needs to be visible to the user in times of emergencies and situations where they're facing fear and anxiety. Having something visible on the wrist sparks minimal movement and faster decision making. After looking at running gear, I discovered running watches are a popular product to own and pushed to integrate self-defense mechanisms within the wearable.

ALARM MODE

In emergency situations, Alarm Mode activates a loud, high-pitched alarm and a flashing LED light. This combination is designed to deter potential threats, draw attention, and signal to others nearby that the user feels unsafe. It's ideal for moments when you need to create distance or send a clear warning to back off.

WARN AT A DISTANCE

Simply by holding down the corner buttons for 3 seconds, activate Alarm mode to set off the alarm and flashing LED. Simultaneously, your selected emergency contacts will get notified the alarm has been activated and receive your current location.

TASER MODE

In high-risk moments where an attacker is dangerously close and unresponsive to other deterrents, Taser Mode deploys a discreet but effective electric shock from the front end of the watch. Designed as a last resort, this short burst of electricity can briefly immobilize an assailant, giving you the critical seconds needed to escape and reach safety.

DEFEND AGAINST ATTACKS

OFF

TASER ACTIVATION

In order to use the taser. once on stand-by, press on the dial button on the right side. Once activated, steer clear of the top end of the device and direct the taser onto the threat.