This concept was designed by Richard Miles as part of his Masters in Industrial Design at Loughborough University in 2005. The brief for this project was to identify and address a social issue resulting from the use of mobile phones in public space by redesigning the product to modify user behaviour.

Richard carried out user observation to find out how people use their phones in public and how their use affected others. During his user centred research stage, Richard  observed the consequences of what he called 'eyes off road time' i.e. sending or reading text messages, using an mp3 player, checking voice mail or entering numbers whilst walking.
<Find out more about the user centred research phase>

To combat this behaviour, he provided visual feedback to improve the user's awareness of their surroundings and employed intelligent, persuasive technologies to encourage the user to move away from other pedestrians when using their phones.
<See the final design concept>

Richard presented his work at the 'Design I Behaviour' seminar in April 2006.

You can find out more about 'Design I Behaviour' and download Richard's presentation by visiting: www.sustainabledesignnet.org.uk