Wearable technology in hockey: a parallel to medical device design
Published: August 2024
Bex Jones, Design Consultant
Hobby, pastime, interest, passion – call it what you will, everyone has one. Here at Shore, we’re no different, and outside of work we each like to spend time escaping, decompressing, and invigorating ourselves with whatever floats our boats. But perhaps what sets us apart as designers and engineers is that we can’t help noticing and analysing the interesting little details of the things we love and use. How did they mould that? What material is this? Ooh, that finish is nice. Look at how they treated that weld! Hey, these buttons feel great. I’ve taken it apart to see how it works and now it won’t go back together… etc.
So, this got us thinking – what inspiration or appreciation do our designers and engineers get from the kit that facilitates their own passions?
We asked around the Shore team to find out. First up, is Design Consultant, Bex Jones.
What's your passion?
Since the age of 10 I have played field hockey and currently compete in the Scottish Premiership and club tournaments across Europe. Just as I love working in a strong team at Shore, the team camaraderie in competitive sport is what drives my passion and motivation.
What bit of kit do you have admiration for, from a design or engineering perspective?
Even over the last half-century, the evolution of hockey equipment has changed drastically: such as sticks developing from hickory, ash, or mulberry wood to now carefully controlled levels of carbon fibre and fibre glass to provide different ranges of composites depending on the desired feel.
However, one of the most recent developments I have seen, and arguably the most pivotable, in high performance sports has been the introduction of wearable technologies. These have transformed sport such that it’s no longer solely about the visible performance of the athlete, but a combination with the monitoring of their bodies to optimise this performance.
Heart rate monitors, both wrist and chest strap variations, are an extremely accessible technology, making them increasingly popular. I have seen this in hockey whether it be at club level, where the athlete has curiosity to track their own results, or at an international level, where they must be worn as a requirement for training and matches. GPS trackers are also used at international level, integrated into playing strips, to monitor the movements of players to assist in post-match analysis. I believe this simple, yet smart technology has been incredibly positive to health and wellness, not only for athletes, but for everyone. Devices such as Fitbits, Apple Watches and Garmin have encouraged people to become more active by increasing awareness.
Has this influenced your work in any way?
The understanding and impact I have seen with this technology have translated into my experience in the medical sector, particularly with wearable healthcare which has become a great focus in the industry. The shift towards wearable technology is largely driven by the need for continuous, real-time health monitoring, which is especially important for conditions such as Diabetes. Wearables like continuous glucose monitors seriously improve diabetes management through constant feedback to users. This is particularly valuable for younger patients who may have difficulty managing their health on their own.
Find examples of where Shore has worked with clients to develop wearables here.
The benefits that wearables and connected devices provide support the increasing drive for more remote monitoring and self-administered medication. I experienced the benefit of this understanding during an internship in New Zealand for a digital Telecare company, who specialise in monitored personal alarms and other assistive devices. Here, I was able to see the positive impact that this technology can have through predictive and preventative healthcare, providing both independence and safety.
I found there were great similarities between the requirements and outcomes of the wearables in sport and healthcare both sectors. In terms of design, both usually desire discrete, comfortable, and unobtrusive form for maximum usability. The outcomes for both areas provide key information and insights to understand the user’s body limitations and prevent injury. In relation to sport this is extremely advantageous for both coaches and players; to optimise their performance. For the medical sector this can offer reassurance for the user, and their family or healthcare professional.
What inspiration or appreciation do other Shore designers and engineers get from the kit that facilitates their passions? See more from the team in the links below, along with further insights from me.
