Industrial Design

What was your main goal when you first started your research project?

For the Junior Design in Research application, we aimed to establish a foundational understanding of how light impulses are perceived on the ice within the context of hockey. Our key questions were: How are these impulses perceived?
The primary goal at this stage was to explore the potential of light stimuli as a training tool and validate the concept in early testing.

What was your approach to the development process?

The first phase involved extensive literature research—analyzing around 25-30 scientific papers and summarizing key. Studies across various sports, including football, hockey, Formula 1, tennis, and basketball, suggested that reaction times could be trained using light stimuli. This research provided a strong theoretical foundation for developing an initial prototype, which was then tested under real conditions.

What made on-ice testing essential, and how did you set up the experiment?

Early in the research process, it became clear that theoretical would not be sufficient. As ice hockey is a fast-paced, dynamic sport, the effectiveness of the light stimuli needed to be evaluated under real game conditions. To achieve this, we developed the first prototype, a control system that allowed two LED lights to be attached to each player's helmet. This setup allowed us to precisely control and adjust the light pulses during movement.
We conducted preliminary tests with junior players at the Swiss Life Arena in three sessions of five participants each. The aim was to observe initial reactions, gather feedback and refine the core concept. The response was overwhelmingly positive - the players quickly engaged with the system and perceived the training as a game-like experience.
The exercises were designed to develop key cognitive functions such as peripheral vision, selective attention, visual-motor reaction time and multitasking. Within minutes, players adapted to the light stimuli and responded effectively. Through continuous feedback-driven testing, we were able to fine-tune critical parameters such as frequency, brightness and colour to optimise the training experience.

But how does Brain-Buddy differentiate itself from existing solutions?

Current training methods using light stimuli are mostly static, applied in weight rooms, physiotherapy, or medical settings, where athletes react to fixed light signals. The idea behind Brain-Buddy, however, is a mobile system that integrates directly into the movement of the athlete. It actively enhances perception and reaction time in real game situations.

What are the next steps in development?

At this stage, Brain-Buddy remains in the prototype phase, focused on proving its fundamental concept rather than finalizing its design. The next step will involve integrating sensors to enhance adaptability and real-time responsiveness, making the system more intelligent and practical for broader applications. Future iterations will refine the form, usability, and overall effectiveness based on the research and testing.

Could Brain-Buddy be applied beyond ice hockey?

While my primary focus remains on ice hockey, our research points to potential applications in other sports where reaction time is critical. American football, skiing and other high-speed sports could benefit from a mobile, light-based training system. In addition, Brain-Buddy could have applications outside of sport, such as in rehabilitation, where patients could use the system in familiar environments rather than being restricted to clinical settings.

As an evolving project, Brain-Buddy is still in the development phase. To further develop its potential, the current prototype serves as an important step in refining the concept, gathering data and informing the next iteration.