REKD Protection provides high end safety equipment for extreme sports. To maintain it's position in the market a new helmet was developed to fit a street style aesthetic that resonated with the target market.
These helmets embodied the REKD values and have become recognisable across Europe.
A key part of the brief was to design a helmet suitable for multiple sports. While BMX was the primary focus, the "street" style helmet quickly gained popularity across a range of extreme sports. This versatile design has become a staple for any extreme sports protection brand, often being the top seller in their range. To ensure its success, the helmet had to be designed to meet certification standards, enabling it to be sold across various sports categories.
The goal was to create a new street-style helmet, building on the design of the existing Elite helmet. It needed to accommodate a European head shape and be compatible with both a Polycarbonate (PC) and ABS outer shell, allowing for two distinct product variations. The helmet had to maintain a street-inspired aesthetic, while ensuring it met the required CE certification standards. Additionally, it was important to incorporate the REKD branding and keep the design within a specific pricing target to remain competitive in the market.
REKD focusses on using angular shapes that appear strong, as well as a modern, clean and minimal approach.
The first version of the Elite helmet used an open mould available to other brands. It was vital to develop our own shape and counter some of the issues from the original helmet.
Users said our first helmet looked too large on their head, even when wearing the correct size. Therefore, it was important to create a snug, lower profile helmet.
Having only used ABS outer shells before, REKD wanted to create both an ABS and PC shell to create two different priced helmets that offered great protection but at different weights.
The original Elite was designed for the Asian market, which has a different ergonomic profile that our targeted European market. The original had space on the upper sides of users' heads where the EPS did not touch their heads, making it less comfortable.
We had feedback that the Elite helmet was very hot, so we wanted to create better airflow through the helmet to keep users cool.
Whilst users should wash their helmet liner many don't, which can build up bacteria.
REKD had established a strong presence in the market but needed to further build its brand identity through its products. This project provided the opportunity to create the first set of in-house designed helmets that truly reflected REKD’s styling. It involved developing the brand’s second ABS shell helmet and its very first PC shell helmet, designed to compete at a higher price point against other leading brands. Additionally, it was a chance to refine the design of the original Elite 1, addressing the issues highlighted by user feedback and enhancing the overall performance and comfort.
Working closely with the REKD Brand Manager, we focused on creating designs that aligned with the REKD aesthetic while addressing key challenges, such as the low profile and the inner head shape. The goal was to ensure the design was not only visually in line with the brand’s identity but also optimised for both manufacturing processes, ensuring functionality and style were seamlessly integrated.
During the initial sketch phase, I collaborated closely with the REKD Brand Manager to ensure the design embodied the brand’s identity and values.
This evolved into the creation of 3D mock-ups, allowing us to test the new head shape fit with users and verify the accuracy of all sizing.
Once we had solid concepts, we worked with our factories to explore various manufacturing methods and ensure the helmet would meet all necessary testing standards.
A new low profile and more comfortable European fit, ready for an ABS and PC shell.
During the prototyping phase, developing a new inner head shape was crucial. REKD's previous helmet was designed for the Asian market, where head shapes tend to be rounder, whereas European head shapes are typically more oval. Several variations were created and tested with users across three different sizes to ensure a better fit.
Collaboration with the factory was key to leveraging their expertise in mould design. This allowed us to create a helmet that could be produced using two different shell materials, ABS and PC, enabling us to offer two price points with varying technologies and weight options.
We also ensured the helmet design met global helmet standards for the sports it would be used in. Using the test results, we fine-tuned the EPS thickness to achieve a slimmer, more snug profile, helping the helmet maintain a sleek look without appearing oversized.
The inner head shape changed to a more comfortable fit for the European market.
Designs created for the ability to utilise manufacturing methods to create both an ABS and PC outer shell.
The designs were given a lower profile, making it look more natural on a user's head, while also conforming to testing standards.
Better airflow with anti-bacterial properties.
Several concepts were developed, incorporating grooves on the inside of the helmet to guide airflow from the vent holes through to the rear exhaust. This allowed us to gain valuable insights into how the new shape would impact airflow and how users felt when wearing the helmet for extended periods.
We also researched and tested a variety of anti-bacterial padded inserts to ensure both comfort and durability. After selecting the best material, the inserts were designed to complement the airflow system, align with REKD's aesthetic, and remain discreet, so they wouldn’t be visible through the vents, all while maximising comfort for the wearer.
Groves were designed to increase the airflow around the helmet to keep the user cool.
New materials were introduced for the liner with anti-bacterial properties.
Understanding user habits and providing a well ventilated, bacteria preventing helmet
User surveys revealed that fewer than 8% of users had ever washed the liner of their helmet. This insight highlighted the need for an anti-bacterial liner. By incorporating this feature alongside improved airflow, we created a helmet that actively combats bad user habits, helping it stay "fresh" even with minimal maintenance.
A comfortable and breathable, park helmet that can be manufactured for different price-points.
The design focused on enhancing airflow around the head, creating a breathable, sweat-reducing helmet that can be manufactured with either an ABS or lightweight PC shell. A new inner cavity head shape was developed to ensure a comfortable European fit, while antibacterial liners were incorporated to address the common issue of users not washing their helmet liners.
Our most successful helmet to date, these designs have become our best-selling products and have fulfilled our goal of being used across a range of sports. We successfully addressed the challenges we identified and were able to produce the design in both the ABS and lightweight PC shells. This project relied heavily on effective collaboration between myself as the product designer, the brand manager, and our factories. Thanks to the success of this helmet, we've been able to reinvest profits into developing more helmets tailored for specific sports.
