SOS Drone
for distress situation
'For more possibility to be rescued'
SOS DRONE is a drone that provides the users with protection and helps them to be rescued faster. SOS DRONE has two functions: Signal and Patrol. The signal function sends a distress signal and the patrol function helps to detect hazards, that may be in the vicinity of the user, and increases the survival rate.
Project duration : 2 months (2018.01-02)
Role : product designer /Research, ideation, sketching, modeling, rendering, photography.
Project type : Team project / Contribution rate - 40%
Tools : Rhino, keyshot, photoshop, illustrator
Award : iF design talent award 2018 ( https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/sos-drone/245590 )
Problem : Short duration. Does not fire properly
Flare guns are disposable products. Their biggest problem is the short duration of the signal time. Short duration signal flares are very difficult to see, and in addition, two-thirds of them are unexploded ordnance.
Solution : Longer signal. Detect hazards in the surrounding area.
When portable mini drones hover in the air and the signal lights flicker, users can send a longer signal than the flare gun. When the drone circles around the user, it is a great help in detecting surrounding hazards.
Brainstorming with Sketch
The most important element for a drone to send a distress signal is light. The chance of being found and rescued can only be increased, if the drone can emit the light from all directions of 360 degrees can be emitted. In addition, a folding structure was chosen to make it easier for users to carrying it.
Drone form sketches / Pen drawing
Form Study & 1:1 Scaling Prototyping
Prototype with paper, which are experimented with the different size.
The most important factor is portability. If the product is big, it is uncomfortable for users to carry for a long time. If it is too small, the battery life will be short, so the drone will not have enough time to send an SOS signal.
Using Scenario
When the user wants to use drone, the user presses the middle button of the upper part and the drone extends slightly out of the receiver. The user pull it out then unfolds the wings of the drone and places them onto the palm of hand. When the button on the cylinder is pressed, the drone will perform the desired function.
Functions :: Signal & Patrol
Signal :: The first function of the SOS DRONE is to stay in the air and send a distress signal to the surrounding area. With its LED lights flashing in all 360-degree directions, it can be seen from any direction and even from a distance.
Patrol :: The second function of the SOS DRONE is to explore the user's surroundings. In an emergency situation, dangerous terrain or wild animals nearby may can be a threat to the user. With a drone with strong light and flight function, the user is able to identify the surrounding terrain and be prepared for further threats.
Functions :: As a Lantern & Power bank
When the user is not using the SOS DRONE for rescue signals, the product can be used as a lantern or power bank.
Since the product emits light in a 360-degree direction, the probability of being found by others can be increased. There is a USB port on the bottom of the product so that the user can charge a smartphone.
Buttons and Power ports
As a Lantern / As a bonfire