Description:

The Cloudwalker Communication System is a project aiming to improve communication in an alpine environment.

It is a two part system that is designed to facilitate a significantly safer communication experience on the mountains. According to the New Zealand ACC, there were 219 recorded alpine accidents in 2020, with a further 702 related to climbing. These accidents can largely be attributed to communication errors, which are often a result of failing or insufficient equipment.

The Cloudwalker features several features that aim to provide a wide reaching communication network, both between climbers, and with emergency services.

With a built in bone conduction headset, climbers are able to communicate hands free, meaning they have a line of coms with their climbing partner even when using equipment.

The Cloudwalker also connects climbers to an emergency safety system, including a built in SOS signal, weather and location updates.

Throughout the design and research of this project, alpine and safety professionals were consulted to extract the many pain points of both personal and professional alpine endeavours, in order to understand where significant design opportunities where.

This was reflected in the final system, which was presented to these professionals in order to gain further feedback and insights.

One notable insight was from a professional ski and alpine guide based in Switzerland, who was particularly intrigued by the potential displayed by the hands free system.