Master project, AHO
Home Again aims to save lives in the Norwegian fishing fleet by offering a lifejacket better suited for fishers.
This project addresses an important safety issue in a tradition-rich culture where regulations are often resisted. By embedding myself in the community and focusing on user-oriented design, I identified the core problem and created a solution that fishers embraced. Home Again exemplifies how user involvement leads to effective design solutions.
I travelled to small fishing villages in Lofoten, where I asked fishers on the docks if I could join them at sea during the famous Lofotfisket to observe their work. The field observations I made on these small vessels revealed that many fishers avoid wearing lifejackets because they are unsuitable for the conditions onboard.
Based on the insights gathered onboard, I developed a more comfortable lifejacket prototype, and tested it in Lofoten with positive feedback. Designed for comfort and safety, Home Again is less likely to get caught in equipment and helps fishers stay afloat during emergencies, alerting rescue teams to their location. It also features several emotional design elements, including a photo pocket in the back, reminding the fisher of loved ones and encouraging regular use.
Winner of The DOGA Award for Newcomers & AHO WORKS AWARDS Best Industrial Design.
https://doga.no/merket-nykommer/home-again
https://doga.no/merket-nykommer/home-again
