"With its expertise in human-technology interaction, Cloudflight has complemented our technical innovation by offering a new way of user interaction. Together, we have created a product that ski-tourers can rely on for maximum safety in the mountains. In practice, voice navigation has proven highly effective and acknowledged. Thanks to Cloudflight, we now have a unique selling point that has earned us significant recognition.”
Dieter Kotlaba
Head of Hardware, Ortovox
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Ortovox DIRACT VOICE: Life-saving voice navigation
The challenge
In case of emergency, every second counts
For ski-tourers and freeriders, the risk of avalanches is an ever-present menace. In case of emergency, every second counts. Standard safety equipment for those who like to ski in deep snow includes an avalanche transceiver, which can be used to locate people buried under the snow. As time is of the essence, clear user instructions are essential to help the rescue team locate their companions.
The Ortovox DIRACT VOICE is technically impressive and works reliably and intuitively in extremely stressful situations. The goal of the development was to create an avalanche transceiver that would radically simplify the localization of persons trapped under snow. We set high demands for reducing search times significantly thanks to the right combination of advanced technology and a completely renewed user interface.
The solution
A talking device
As the world’s first avalanche transceiver with voice navigation, the DIRACT VOICE provides “blind” guidance, quickly and reliably leading the rescue team to the probing spot. In addition, the display functions reliably even at extremely low temperatures and provides easy-to-understand information – with a minimum set of elements. A strict safety concept formed the basis for the joint development with Cloudflight.
- Product concept and UX/UI design: In close collaboration with Ortovox, we carefully evaluated the range of functions and interaction patterns to provide users with exactly the level of assistance they require in a critical situation. Unlike any other device before, the DIRACT VOICE combines intuitive voice navigation, straightforward one-button operation and clear visual guidance to create a coherent overall concept.
- Intuitive voice navigation: Combining conventional search acoustics with voice instructions has enabled us to implement “blind” guidance, allowing rescuers to reach the probing point quickly and without the need for looking at the display.
- Visual guidance: The graphical user interface on the display features a design that is reduced to the essentials. Clearly understandable symbols, and unambiguous wording guide rescuers reliably to their destination. This clear visual guidance works just as well stand-alone for the sister product DIRACT that goes without voice output.
- One-button operation: In emergency situations, the rescue team cannot afford to make mistakes. Too many controls on the device can lead to time-consuming operating errors. With only one button, there is no room for failures. All user interaction has been optimized for uncompromising one-button operation. The first probing point can be located even without pressing a button.
- Glove operation: Temperatures below zero make it indispensable to wear gloves while operating the device. Accordingly, product designers placed the few controls on the device following strict ergonomic criteria, and software developers adapted their code to slower and inert user interaction.
Be faster and save lives
The Ortovox DIRACT VOICE provides greater safety for those who enjoy activities in deep snow. With its intuitive operation and innovative voice navigation, it can save lives in case of emergency. The Ortovox DIRACT VOICE’s success was confirmed at the ISPO sports trade fair when it won the coveted ISPO Award – and we are very happy that, among all award-winning products, its unique innovation was additionally honoured with the special distinction “Product of the Year”.
Our partner
Since 1980, the name Ortovox stands for high-quality safety equipment and functional skiwear. As a pioneer, Ortovox commits to constantly developing innovative analogue and digital safety technology. Targeted training for professional rescue services, mountain guides and deep snow enthusiasts complement their business.
