Guardians
by Franceline Marshall
Guardians' collection of wearable pendants, each inspired by animals native to the regions of the Seven Summits.
Project Description
In today's commercialised mountaineering era, over 50 million people participate in mountain activities worldwide. Many travellers face emergencies due to illness, injuries, or a lack of experience navigating challenging terrain.
Technologies such as GPS, drones, and satellite communication have made mountain rescue more efficient. However, these solutions are reactive, stepping in only after incidents occur. Preventive measures within groups are limited, and traditional wilderness safety gadgets often lack practicality in group settings.
To address these gaps, Guardians redefines group connection for mountaineers. Combining tactile feedback, gestures, and non-digital interaction, it keeps expeditioners aware of each other's safety on the trail. Inspired by Teenage Engineering, it blends intuitive functionality with playful analogue communication, strengthening coordination and reducing risks on the trail.
Guardians mirrors real-world guided mountaineering with two interconnected devices: one for participants and one for the guide. The guide's device features an LED-based proximity observer and can send satellite SOS alerts in emergencies. Participants use a twist mechanism on the device head to trigger LED and audio signals for the group, while an in-group SOS button instantly notifies the expedition team when assistance is needed.
Guardians enhances cohesion, safety, and the overall mountaineering experience. Beyond practical use, it fosters mindful navigation, making safety a shared responsibility and reframing mountaineering as a collective journey shaped by awareness, trust, and connection among expeditioners.
Exploded view of both the leader and participant devices, showcasing their internal components.
Exploring Guardians' user experience, emphasising intuitive group communication and emergency SOS alerts.
In-context view of Guardians being used by both the guide and their group member.
Guardians' appearance model.
Bio
Guided by curiosity and a love for exploration, Franceline embraces variety across product design, visual design, photography, and everything in between. Versatility, adaptability, and thoughtfulness, paired with a sense of playfulness and wonder, are her tools for making work that matters.
Franceline's approach is grounded in the belief that everyday actions, interactions, and rituals hold inherent wisdom beyond the objects themselves. She is dedicated to designing thoughtful products that bring comfort and joy to everyday life, while supporting the meaningful connections that make experiences worthwhile.
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