REFRAME RESCUE

The current process to evacuate an injured skier is built around one piece of equipment. The rescue toboggan is the workhorse of the ski patrol but lacks flexibility in several key areas leading to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous situations.

How can the evacuation process be safer and more comfortable for both patroller and patient?

Conducted onsite ethnographic research: uncovering pain points from patrollers and patients, prioritized needs based on both patient and patroller “user journey,” created and prototyped solutions to address key needs.

Work completed as senior thesis project at Purdue University. Final design was presented to CEO of Cascade Rescue, the largest manufacturer of search and rescue equipment in the United States. Pain points used as early inspiration for future product innovations.