Argus is a smart safety system designed to combat the high injury and fatality rates in the construction industry through data-driven design and real-time hazard detection. Leveraging wearable technology and augmented interfaces, Argus improves environmental awareness and communication on-site.
The project has earned global recognition, including a Red Dot Award in 2024, a Silver International Design Award, and exhibition at Dubai Future Foundation’s Prototypes for Humanity.
Argus is a smart safety system designed to combat the high injury and fatality rates in the construction industry through data-driven design and real-time hazard detection. Leveraging wearable technology and augmented interfaces, Argus improves environmental awareness and communication on-site.
The project has earned global recognition, including a Red Dot Award in 2024, a Silver International Design Award, and exhibition at Dubai Future Foundation’s Prototypes for Humanity.
Argus is a smart safety system designed to combat the high injury and fatality rates in the construction industry through data-driven design and real-time hazard detection. Leveraging wearable technology and augmented interfaces, Argus improves environmental awareness and communication on-site
The project has earned global recognition, including a Red Dot Award in 2024, a Silver International Design Award, and exhibition at Dubai Future Foundation’s Prototypes for Humanity.
Product
Wearable device
Application (mobile & tablet)
Skills & Software
Figma
Adobe Premiere
Raspberry Pi
Keyshot
Unreal Engine 5
Yolo5
User Research
Usability Testing
Blender
Competitive Analysis
Branding
My Role
Product Designer
Project Timeline
Q1 2023
Collaborators
Jiwon Lee, Fletcher Leese, Preetika Gulati, Josh Lu
Problem Space
Problem Space
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries globally, with over 2.3 million workers facing serious injuries or fatalities annually. Safety protocols often rely on outdated reporting systems, poor visibility conditions, and fragmented on-site communication—resulting in preventable incidents and inefficient workflows.
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries globally, with over 2.3 million workers facing serious injuries or fatalities annually. Safety protocols often rely on outdated reporting systems, poor visibility conditions, and fragmented on-site communication—resulting in preventable incidents and inefficient workflows.
Project Goals
Reduce injuries and fatalities through proactive safety interventions.
Create an intuitive, low-friction user experience suitable for harsh environments.
Seamlessly integrate smart technology into daily construction operations.
Empower workers with real-time environmental awareness and feedback loops.
Reduce injuries and fatalities through proactive safety interventions.
Create an intuitive, low-friction user experience suitable for harsh environments.
Seamlessly integrate smart technology into daily construction operations.
Empower workers with real-time environmental awareness and feedback loops.
Problem Space
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries globally, with over 2.3 million workers facing serious injuries or fatalities annually. Safety protocols often rely on outdated reporting systems, poor visibility conditions, and fragmented on-site communication—resulting in preventable incidents and inefficient workflows.
Project Goals
Reduce injuries and fatalities through proactive safety interventions.
Create an intuitive, low-friction user experience suitable for harsh environments.
Seamlessly integrate smart technology into daily construction operations.
Empower workers with real-time environmental awareness and feedback loops.
Research Goals
Research Goals
Research Goals
Understanding
Understanding
how on site construction works and new technology that we can adapt.
how on site construction works and new technology that we can adapt.
how on site construction works and new technology that we can adapt.
Empathizing
Empathizing
with the on ground construction workers and their specific needs.
with the on ground construction workers and their specific needs.
with the on ground construction workers and their specific needs.
Observing
Observing
the construction environment and possible factors.
the construction environment and possible factors.
the construction environment and possible factors.
Research
Through site visits, interviews with construction workers, and expert consultation, we identified key pain points: limited field-of-view, slow emergency response times, and cognitive overload from complex safety systems. Workers frequently felt detached from digital tools that failed to accommodate their hands-on work styles.
We analyzed industry trends and reviewed data from OSHA and WHO. Insights confirmed that the majority of site hazards stem from low visibility, poor communication, and lack of immediate feedback systems.
User pain points
Language Barriers Disrupt Workflow
Significant communication gaps and language barriers led to frequent misunderstandings, causing costly errors and rework.
Lack of Structured Training Undermines Safety
A lack of comprehensive training left workers ill-prepared for tasks, compromising efficiency and safety.
No Clear Channel for Reporting Hazards
Workers had no effective means to report safety hazards, exacerbating risks and concerns on site.
Reliance on External Translation Tools
Even to talk to us, workers had to rely on Google Translator, resulting in cumbersome and inefficient back-and-forth communication.
Gloves and Broken Devices Limit Tool Usability
The necessity for hands-free, user-friendly technology is critical, as workers struggle with gloves and damaged iPhones on site.
Core Insights
Core Insights
Core Insights
35% of expenses stem from waste and rework, underscoring the imperative for enhanced productivity and management.
35% of expenses stem from waste and rework, underscoring the imperative for enhanced productivity and management.
67% of employers said that miscommunications due
to language barriers were leading to inefficiency.
67% of employers said that miscommunications due
to language barriers were leading to inefficiency.
40% of construction employers indicated a foreign language skills gap within their company.
40% of construction employers indicated a foreign language skills gap within their company.
Argus provides a holistic solution to these challenges through advanced technology and intuitive design, combining a smart visor with an innovative application to revolutionize construction site safety and communication. The smart visor features real-time translation, bone conduction audio for clear and unobtrusive communication, LiDAR sensors for accurate hazard detection, and a camera for detailed hazard documentation. The companion app enhances these capabilities with 3D maps of the job site, real-time danger alerts, tailored training modules, and seamless communication tools.
Argus provides a holistic solution to these challenges through advanced technology and intuitive design, combining a smart visor with an innovative application to revolutionize construction site safety and communication. The smart visor features real-time translation, bone conduction audio for clear and unobtrusive communication, LiDAR sensors for accurate hazard detection, and a camera for detailed hazard documentation. The companion app enhances these capabilities with 3D maps of the job site, real-time danger alerts, tailored training modules, and seamless communication tools.
The Product
Defining “Argus”
Our brand identity for the Argus Smart Visor focuses on innovation, safety, and reliability. We aim to establish Argus as a leader in smart construction technology, synonymous with advanced AI integration, user-centric design, and robust safety features. The name "Argus," inspired by the mythological figure known for his hundred eyes, symbolizes our commitment to vigilance and comprehensive protection on the construction site.
Brand Values
Innovation
Continuously advancing technology to improve safety and efficiency.
Identity
The Argus logo is designed to reflect the cutting-edge technology and safety focus of the product. Featuring a sleek, modern design with a bold, distinctive font, the logo incorporates elements that suggest vision and clarity.
Design
Color
Inter is an ideal choice for construction sites due to its high legibility, versatility, and modern look. Its scalability and high contrast ensure readability in various conditions, while its support for multiple languages and open-source availability make it cost-effective and adaptable. This enhances safety and efficiency by ensuring clear and consistent communication.
Style Guide & Breakdown
Typography
Inter is an ideal choice for construction sites due to its high legibility, versatility, and modern look. Its scalability and high contrast ensure readability in various conditions, while its support for multiple languages and open-source availability make it cost-effective and adaptable. This enhances safety and efficiency by ensuring clear and consistent communication.
Typeface
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Inter
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Headingdolor sit amet.
LoREM IPSU Bodyt amet.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Vision
Our tagline, "Unified Safety, Seamless Communication," succinctly communicates the core benefits of the Argus Smart Visor. From our perspective, this phrase captures the essence of our product by highlighting its dual focus: enhancing safety and improving communication on construction sites. It emphasizes our commitment to providing integrated solutions that keep workers safe and connected.
Unified Safety, Seamless Communication
Unified Safety, Seamless Communication
Product Ecosystem
During Task
5
Arrive at your work zone, and review the day’s tasks using the mobile app. Proceed to work on the assigned cable work task.
10
You’re able to properly apologize and express regret for your mistake using the Argus smart visor’s real time translation and bone conduction headset, building rapport with your coworkers despite the language barrier.
6
Approaching the cable plow, tool recognition identifies the machinery and verifies your certification.
9
Begin to back out of the work space to return the cable plow, but your Smart Visor issues a warning because two of your coworkers were walking directly behind the vehicle as you were reversing.
7
Before you start your task, the Argus smart visor
offers you reference material to refresh and supplement your training.
8
Be able to complete
your tasks in a timely manner, but the cable
work is incomplete so
you mark the area as a hazard zone, updating
every worker’s live site map.
Before Task
1
Arrive on site, collect your hard hat with the Argus attachment headset from the tool storage container.
2
Put on your hard hat, lowering the Argus
safety visor, and turning
on the display.
3
Attend the team’s daily briefing, making use of the Argus visor’s real-time translation as needed.
4
Review your zone designation (using mobile
or visor) and head towards your assigned work space
After Task
11
With all of your tasks completed, you are ready
to leave for the day,
ending your shift.
12
Return your Argus -empowered hard hat to
the tool storage container before leaving the construction site, ending
a good day’s work.
13
All workers’ tasks and collected data are compounded and sent
out to the management and supervisor-level workers
in an end-of-day report.
Compliance
officers
Compliance
officers
Foreman,
Team Lead
Main User, Construction Worker
Architect Engineer Firms
General
Contractor
Project
Client
Vendors
Funding
for project
Work
summaries
Reported
hazards
Work orders
and instructions,
Marked hazard zones
3D
lidar scans
Revisions,
Plans and designs
Money for
construction
materials
Tools and
equipment
Tertiary Stakeholders
Family of
construction workers
Construction
insurance companies
Construction
labor union
Equipment rental
OSHA
Training and
development staff
Construction
helmet companies
Future occupants of
the constructed buildings
Labor and employment
agencies
Investors funding
the construction project
HR managers
Health and safety
inspectors
Product Ecosystem
Product Ecosystem
Safety Made Simple
Prioritizing user safety, our map provides a clear view of the site, including hazard locations and coworker positions. This fosters better situational awareness and improved collaboration. Additionally, it empowers users to quickly and easily report hazards, promoting a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to a safer workplace.
Prioritizing user safety, our map provides a clear view of the site, including hazard locations and coworker positions. This fosters better situational awareness and improved collaboration. Additionally, it empowers users to quickly and easily report hazards, promoting a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to a safer workplace.
Seamless On-Site Communication
Prioritizing clarity and usability, the Message section features clear and easy navigation, displaying names and job titles for each participant.
The real-time translation feature on the visor seamlessly integrates with Messages, providing a detailed transcript and summary of conversations directly in the chatroom. This allows for effortless review and replay of discussions, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Prioritizing clarity and usability, the Message section features clear and easy navigation, displaying names and job titles for each participant.
The real-time translation feature on the visor seamlessly integrates with Messages, providing a detailed transcript and summary of conversations directly in the chatroom. This allows for effortless review and replay of discussions, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Master Tools & Minimize Risks
Prioritizing functionality and accessibility, the Training feature recognizes the need for quick task refreshers and tool usage instructions.
Users are given access to clear, step-by-step instructions with accompanying subtitles, ensuring all workers can easily follow and understand each procedure. This promotes efficient learning and empowers users to confidently perform their tasks.
Prioritizing functionality and accessibility, the Training feature recognizes the need for quick task refreshers and tool usage instructions.
Users are given access to clear, step-by-step instructions with accompanying subtitles, ensuring all workers can easily follow and understand each procedure. This promotes efficient learning and empowers users to confidently perform their tasks.
Responsive Management; One tap at a time
Prioritizing functionality and clarity, the tablet UI empowers managers to efficiently oversee site operations and ensure adherence to safety protocols. The interface provides a broader operational overview and granular control, allowing managers to view and assign tasks, check reported hazards, and directly contact workers. This streamlines communication and workflow, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
Prioritizing functionality and clarity, the tablet UI empowers managers to efficiently oversee site operations and ensure adherence to safety protocols. The interface provides a broader operational overview and granular control, allowing managers to view and assign tasks, check reported hazards, and directly contact workers. This streamlines communication and workflow, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
Demo Video
Demo Video
Takeaways
Takeaways
Designing for real-world field conditions required balancing rugged hardware demands with user-first design principles, and developing a virtual environment for testing also introduced technical barriers that required rapid iteration.
If Given More Time:
Conduct extended user testing in live construction zones.
Further integration with biometric data (heart rate, motion tracking).
Expanded accessibility features for neurodivergent or ESL workers.
Designing for real-world field conditions required balancing rugged hardware demands with user-first design principles, and developing a virtual environment for testing also introduced technical barriers that required rapid iteration.
If Given More Time:
Extended user testing in live construction zones.
Further integration with biometric data (heart rate, motion tracking).
Expanded accessibility features for neurodivergent or ESL workers.
