Neptune - Underwater Communication for SCUBA Divers

In my final year Capstone project, I collaborated with a team of 18 students to design a groundbreaking underwater communication system tailored for scuba divers. This project spanned the entire product development cycle, from ideation through to manufacturing, ensuring the creation of a fully functional and standards-compliant product.

Project Genesis & Leadership: Drawing from my personal experiences as a scuba diver, I identified the critical need for enhanced communication underwater. This insight led to the development of a device that allows divers to communicate crucial safety and time-sensitive information with their dive buddies and instructors. My intimate knowledge of the diving environment positioned me to lead our initial research phase, which included conducting user surveys and interviews to gauge the needs and preferences of potential users. The product spec sheet can be viewed on this page.

Design and User Experience (UX): I spearheaded the UX design sub-team, focusing on the device's physical interface. I led the design and iterative development of the armband component, experimenting with various materials including different types of neoprene and Velcro to enhance comfort and usability. My team and I refined the armband through multiple iterations, informed by extensive user testing and feedback. Excerpts from my design notebook can be seen here, detailing different design choices for the armband. I also used these user interviews to determine which message buttons should be featured on the device.

Community Engagement & Presentation: Leveraging my diving expertise, I played a pivotal role in crafting and delivering a compelling presentation to the MIT community. I authored the introductory section of our presentation, setting the context and highlighting the unique challenges faced by divers that our product addresses. I also coordinated the testing phases and managed the visual documentation, conducting photo shoots to vividly illustrate the product’s capabilities and benefits.

Impact & Personal Growth: This project was not only a fusion of design, function, and personal passion but also a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth. It enhanced my skills in team collaboration, project management, and user-centered design, preparing me for a successful career in mechanical engineering.