ALWAYS INNOVATING
Bell Powersports is a brand that bleeds innovation. To create a new standard of performance for the brand’s pro athletes, the concept of Custom Fit was born.
PROCESS DEEP DIVE
Item 1 of 5
Bell Powersports is a brand that bleeds innovation. To create a new standard of performance for the brand’s pro athletes, the concept of Custom Fit was born.
PROCESS DEEP DIVE
In order to provide a true custom fit, we needed to ensure the internal surfaces of the helmet matched each rider’s unique head shape. This was done by scanning a person’s head and importing the scan into 3D CAD software to then manufacture the helmet with.
After the head scan was imported, it could be orientated specifically for the type of riding the user preferred (race, street, comfort). This allowed for a customized viewing angle and improved aerodynamic performance. As the project progressed beyond initial pilot stages, I devised an efficient method for scanning that would optimize manufacturing efficiency.
With a price tag of $1,000 every detail had to be considered. Beyond the performance benefits of improved impact protection, reduction in helmet chatter and a custom view angle, a custom name badge was added to give the helmet a personal touch.
After an initial test phase on pro athletes and key media members, I led the development of a small manufacturing site at one of our US warehouses. It was an important step toward the ultimate goal of taking the Custom Fit technology to the masses.
Plans were in the works to take the technology on the road and eventually install a scanning setup in key dealers across the US and Canada. In addition, the company was considering additional helmet models to incorporate the Custom Fit technology into.