Echo
Echo beneath, safety beyond
Timeline
Aug. - Dec. 2023
Role
Sole Industrial Designer
Tools
SolidWorks, Keyshot, ProCreate
Securing 3 seconds of critical reaction time for kayakers by detecting submerged obstacles up to 16ft away
Industrial Design
Mobility Design
THE PROBLEM
Kayaking is more dangerous than you think
Inexperienced or inattentive kayakers frequently find
themselves in dangerous situations, leading to inevitable accidents.
THE Solution
Extending a kayaker's perception through real-time haptic feedback:
Engineered for proactive safety
From the hydrodynamic housing to the quick-release mounting, every detail is built to withstand the elements while delivering the critical seconds needed to avoid invisible hazards.
Quick release buckle
Sliding bracket mount with secured strap enables device to be mounted and dismounted easily while remained secured. Lengths of heavyweight polypropylene webbings can be adjusted based on the size of kayak bow
Locking carabiners
Pre-existing docking lines on all kayaks enable Echo harness to be securely attached. Heavy duty carabiners withstand pulls from fastening the harness on kayak
Hands-free alert
Signals from ultrasonic detection delivers to a bracelet via bluetooth to alert kayaker with haptic feedback. Main device and bracelet are connected via bluetooth at all time to alert kayaker with haptic feedback while notifying the battery level
Ultrasonic sensing
Ultrasonic sensor points forward and downward for maximum coverage on submerged and above-water objects.Range of detection from 16 ft ahead allows 3 seconds of reaction time if going at an average speed of 2 mph
PROJECT TIMELINE
This project was developed in 3 months
Overview
Over 6 million of the U.S Americans participated in sea and white water kayaking in 2024
— Statista 2025
But do you know
Kayaking was the #2 deadliest boating activity in 2024
— U.S. Coast Guard 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics
In 2024, kayak incidents resulted in 89 deaths but only 44 injuries. This means for every one kayaker who suffered a reportable injury, two kayakers died. This fatal ratio is the opposite of almost every other boating activity, where injuries are far more common.
Secondary Research
Why do kayak incidents happened?
— U.S. Coast Guard 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics
25%
Hazardous Conditions
20%
Operator Inexperience
7%
Operator Inattention
Secondary Research
What happens in a kayak incident?
— U.S. Coast Guard 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics
50%
Capsizing
20%
Collision With Objects
The Reaction Gap
A split-second is the difference between an incident and a tragedy
Reaction time (RT) is the mental delay between a stimulus (spotting a hazard) and a response (paddling away). This delay includes sensing the danger and deciding what to do. Critically, tactile stimuli are processed fastest, while visual perception is easily delayed by poor visibility or complex environments—a core problem in kayaking.
The Cost of a Split-Second
A Columbia University student tragically lost her life in 2023 when her kayak was trapped by a submerged rock on Potomac river she couldn't avoid. This incident highlights the fatal gap in perception. In hazardous waters, even a slight delay in recognizing a submerged obstacle can be the difference between a near-miss and a fatal accident.
Analogous Research
Where marine tech meets reaction time
My research led me to ultrasonic sonar, the proven tech inside fish finders. It's incredibly fast—in water, sound travels at 1500 m/s (4900 ft/s). I found its purpose was always passive, vertical discovery ("what's below?"). The opportunity was to repurpose this split-second tech for active, forward-looking safety ("act now!").
Opportunities
Main feature areas for the MVP
Based on the research, I mapped several features that address the problem
Detecting obstacles during kayaking
Method of alerting kayaker when detecting obstacle within the range
Reducing risk of collision with hidden objects or debris
Building the technology
Technology was built out to validate functionality of the prdocut
Before finalizing the concept, I built out the core features using a microcontroller board that detects via ultrasonic sensor and transmits data to another board that alerts with haptic motors.
Triggering distance is set shorter than actual measuring distance for easier testing.
Transmitter retrieves data from ultrasonic sensor and send it to receiver end via Bluetooth. Receiver then processes the data and follows the condition if it needs to vibrate
Concept Ideations + Form Exploration
I explored different concepts of installing technology on a kayak
Defining final concept
I visualized the final concept implementing the technology I built out
The final concept was narrowed down from 5 concepts with 2 rounds of feedback
1
Bracelet
2
Main Device
Quick-release mount
Battery status indicator
Convenient power switch
Accurate ultrasonic sensor
3
Harness
Low-drag center cutout
Adjustable device alignment
Durable neoprene fabric
Secured deck line carabiners
Concept Validation
I confirmed the need for proactive safety with several stakeholders
I conducted 3 interviews with an end user and 2 stakeholders. i compiled the findings below:
Reduces Mental Load
Paddlers are in a state of "constantly scanning" for hazards, which prevents them from relaxing and enjoying the experience.
Fills a Clear Market Gap
The current market is focused on passive safety (life vests, dry bags). There is a distinct, unmet need for an active safety device.
Applies to All Skill Levels
Missing hidden hazards is a universal problem that both "newer paddlers" and "seasoned kayakers can struggle with."
Boosts Confidence
An obstacle alert system would fill the market gap and give beginners the "confidence on the water" they currently lack.
Must Be Unobtrusive
The solution needs to be "simple" and something a paddler can "rely on without even thinking about it" to be effective.
Accelerates Skill-Building
By removing the "constant worry of unseen obstacles," the device would help new kayakers "focus on skill-building."
Prototyping
Bringing concept to life
Taking from the final concept sketches and concept validation feedbacks, the concept developed into the final prototype.
Form Validation
To validate the CAD model and harness, I carved out a full-scale foam bow replica to test device's real-world form, scale, and hydrodynamic fit.
Harness Pattern Making
With a full-scale bow replica, I created paper pattern that fits the shape and prototyped a low fidelity harness with muslin fabric.
Cad Modeling
Low fidelity harness was translated into CAD model, then I modeled the main device, mount, and bracelet that fit with the harness.
Sewing Harness
Once CAD model was finalized, I developed the final harness with neoprene fabric (best for water exposure) and polypropylene webbings (most durable).
Electronic assembling
Bracelet
ESP32-C3 board
Haptic motor
Battery
Charging module
Main Device
ESP32-V1 board
Battery
Charging module
This is Echo—a proactive safety system for kayaking
Echo is a three-part system designed to close the fatal reaction gap in kayaking. By sensing submerged hazards up to 16ft away and providing instant haptic alert, Echo gives the paddler the time to react.
Production
What materials were used?
Materials used were for durability and most commonly used for aquatic activity.
1
Bracelet
2
Main Device
Injection Molded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Casing
PP Quick Release Buckle
3
Harness
Neoprene Fabrics
Heavyweight PP Webbings
POM Plastic Slide Buckles
Heavy Duty Locking Carabiners
