Dates
2024
Role
Vision and Connected Hardware Design
"It’s the small things in skating that matter. The angle of a stride, the edge of a blade—those details make the difference between winning and losing." Scotty Bowman, Winningest coach in National Hockey League (NHL) history
Imagine a training tool that doesn’t just tell players to "push harder" but shows how and where to improve, backed by real-time data. As a hockey player, I know skating is crucial, especially early on where habits are formed. That’s why I designed connected smart socks with an iPad app to give coaches detailed, data-backed insights into every stride, angle, and force—enabling them to coach smarter and progress their team quicker.
Today, most hockey performance assessments are based on subjective observation or video analysis, which lack precision. With these smart socks, coaches gain accurate, actionable data on each player’s foot pressure, stride angle, and push-off force. This tech makes pro-level insights accessible at any rink, allowing players to adjust their form with precision.
A conceptual rendering of the Smart Sock itself
Each sock is packed with ultra-thin, stretchable conductive yarn sensors, meticulously woven into high-impact areas like the heel, arch, and toes. These sensors, made from silver-coated nylon, adapt to the foot's natural movements, measuring precise data points on pressure, weight transfer, rotation, and foot angle without adding an ounce of bulk—because if it's not comfortable, what’s the point?
To make the sock machine washable, the sensor and battery module is detachable—simply remove it before tossing the sock into the wash. The conductive yarn sensors themselves are made from durable, water-resistant materials, which can withstand gentle machine cycles without degrading performance.
Powering the sock is a flexible thin-film lithium-ion battery, cleverly hidden in a compact ankle module that goes unnoticed during training. Data transmits wirelessly to the app via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) keeping energy use low, while a contact-based charging dock makes recharging effortless. Together, these technologies create a sock that’s not only intuitive and easy to use but also durable enough to survive the wear and tear of intense hockey sessions.
A conceptual rendering of the Sliver Nylon Thread
The connected smart sock + iPad app solution integrates hardware and software seamlessly, designed for the simplicity and usability coaches need. Many coaches might not be tech experts, but they know the importance of clear, actionable feedback. This system is crafted with a consumer feel and focuses on ease of use in any environment, featuring:
These principles empower coaches to deliver precise, actionable feedback that’s easy to understand and implement. By combining real-time insights with tailored guidance, the app makes advanced training accessible, structured, and effective for high school hockey teams.
Essential skating parameters like stride angle, weight distribution, and vertical force are displayed instantly, allowing coaches to make spot adjustments and provide feedback with pinpoint accuracy.
Each player has a dedicated profile, allowing coaches to tailor training at an individual level while maintaining a full overview of team performance. This setup helps coaches monitor progress, set personalized goals, and ensure every player’s development aligns with team objectives.
The app generates tailored recommendations for each player. Coaches can rely on the app to deliver specific guidance, like increasing left skate push-off force, saving them time and making training more focused.
A dedicated mobile app allows players to access their performance data, helping them monitor progress and learn independently. This app provides players with clear insights, personalized feedback, and skill-building tips, empowering them to take ownership of their development off the rink.
Connected smart socks redefine skating assessment in high school hockey, giving coaches tools to foster strong, efficient habits early on. Built with the coach’s experience in mind, this setup provides a user-friendly, data-driven approach to skill-building that’s accessible, insightful, and actionable right from their rink. This approach to training sets players up for future success on the ice, with data-backed insights that make a real impact in developing skating skills.