WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

During my time at O’Neill as Senior Designer, I worked on addressing a growing challenge for backcountry skiers and snowboarders: accessing location and terrain information while keeping their hands free and warm. Thick gloves made phones and gadgets difficult to manipulate, creating a gap in the market for an intuitive, wearable solution.

The result was the O’Neill Navigation Jacket — the first jacket on the market to integrate hands-free navigation. Insights and feedback came from both professional and amateur riders, helping shape controls, display placement, and overall usability. A drop-down chest pocket allowed access to a device only when needed, oversized touch buttons on the shoulder made controls glove-friendly, and a forearm display provided directional arrows to guide riders to their destination. This project combined usability, safety, and innovation, continuing the legacy of Jack O’Neill, founder of O’Neill and inventor of the wetsuit.