Argus 3 - Thermal Imaging Camera
Multi award winning inclusive design
design for extreme users
the brief
The Argus 3 is a thermal imaging camera for firefighters, allowing them to see through thick smoke or even in total darkness to track heat signatures. With advances in technology and more competitors appearing on the market, the client, e2v technologies, needed a fresh approach to this product.
the design
The design was informed by consumer insights obtained while training with firefighters.
Some of our observations yielded opportunities that were counter-intuitive, insights that would never come from sitting behind the desk waiting for inspiration! For instance, firefighters spend a lot of the time on their knees or bellies so a low profile design is important (for when they’re not using it, but still have to carry it) and handing from one firefighter to another is important (and very difficult when you can’t see each other). These insights resulted in the distinct design with handles, that also served as a protective roll cage, and slim upright build.
As well as being commercially successful, with a home office order making it the camera of choice for UK fire crews, the design has received 7 national and international design awards and is in the MoMA collection in New York.
The initial design left, the new design based on an ergonomic configuration borne out of firefighting experience is on the right
"This product packages advanced technology into a modular, simple housing based on real needs and the difficulties of saving lives in the harshest of environments. What product could be better?"
Gordon Bruce; IDSA, Chair of Judges IDEA/Business Week awards.
Modular design allows for different sensor packages in international markets
James nervous while being prepared to go into the burning building
See the whole design process in 30 seconds
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