Designing a Virtual Reality helmet for racing simulators

Abstract

This project is executed for Cesys, a company which develops and produces high-end, innovative racing simulators for the entertainment industry. Recently, the company started using Virtual Reality headsets on their racing simulators. Currently, a consumer grade VR headset (Oculus Rift) is used in these type of racing simulators. However, it should preferably be a customised VR headset that is fitting for the simulators and is suitable to be used in an entertainment context. In short, the assignment is to integrate two products together: A racing helmet and a VR headset. Main requirements were that the VR Helmet should re-use components of a current VR Headset and should be one-size-fits-all.

The project started with an analysis phase. A contextual analysis showed that hygiene and durability are important aspects to take into account during the development of the VR Helmet. A technological analysis provided insights which components of a chosen VR headset were necessary to be reintegrated. In an ergonomic analysis, various aspects such as anthropometrics, thermal comfort, pressure sensitivity and maximum weight was researched. In a business analysis, a batch size and first cost price estimation for the VR Helmet was set. Finally, a product experience analysis led to the questions regarding the desired look, feel and use of the VR Helmet. Basically, the question was whether the VR Helmet should be a Racing helmet with VR or a VR headset with racing helmet characteristics.

This above mentioned question was answered during the conceptualisation phase. Two concepts were constructed in order to answer this question. The first concept stayed close to the look, feel and use of a racing helmet. The second concept was almost the opposite of the first concept regarding the look, feel and use. This concept was designed as a VR headset with racing helmet characteristics. Both concepts were detailed to such extent that it could be user tested. The user test showed that the first concept was preferred on various aspects, such as intended emotional response, matching the current simulators, (surprisingly) comfort and practicality. Therefore, concept 1 (Racing helmet with VR approach) was taken as a basis for the final design proposal.

A final design proposal was made (see pictures). This VR Helmet is designed to match and enhance the current experience of the VR simulators by mimicking the look, feel and use of a racing helmet. Like a real racing helmet, it has a visor which can be opened and closed. In this visor the VR components are situated which provide the VR experience. Besides displaying VR, it also has speakers integrated in the helmet for audio display. Moreover, this is one of the first VR Helmets which has a one-size-fits-all feature. By turning the knobs located at the back and top of the helmet, the VR Helmet can be adjusted and fixed on various head sizes. In order to guarantee a hygienic experience, the helmet has to be worn in combination with a balaclava.
The final design proposal was prototyped and user evaluated. In this user evaluation, the VR Helmet was compared to the current solution: The Oculus Rift. Combined with a review on the product requirements, a full evaluation on the final concept was conducted. The final design proposal meets the requirements regarding comfort (one-size-fits-all), experience, hygiene and cost-price. However, aspects such as durability, the weight of the product, integration of the Oculus Rift (electronics) need to be researched further or improved.

In all, the final design proposal is a promising concept, but will need another full iteration before it will meet all the product requirements.