An ice rink with a skating scoreboard and a person on the distant side of the rink, blurred in the background. The photo is taken from the perspective of someone looking down at a skating aid or barrier, with a scoreboard displaying time in the foreground.

the problem

As a competitive curler, from Minnesota high school bonspiels to the Notre Dame Curling Club, I noticed a glaring gap: while other sports equipment is constantly being innovated and improved upon, curling equipment remains stagnant.

I saw this as an opportunity for innovation and set out to modernize the sport of curling by improving upon the traditional stopwatch and stabilizer.

the products

Two digital stopwatches, one yellow and one black, with cords attached. The yellow stopwatch displays 2:34:89 and the black stopwatch shows 2:34:57.
A person in a gray hoodie and black pants on an ice rink, preparing to launch a curling stone with a red handle, while holding a curling broom.

stopwatch

Curlers use handheld stopwatches to gauge the speed of their shots, but in a fast paced game on slippery ice, it can be conversome to have a stopwatch dangling from a lanyard or having to quickly put it in your pocket during play. With this product, I wanted to create a stopwatch that attaches to a broom handle in order to eliminate the risks that come with a handheld stopwatch. Since using a stopwatch is a skill for higher level curlers, this product is aimed towards professional or highly experienced curlers in order to improve performance.

stabilizer

Professional curlers use their broom to balance when throwing the stone, while beginner curlers or curlers who struggle with balance often use a stabilizer. However, if a curler chooses a stabilizer, then they can’t also hold a broom. I aimed to make a broom attachment that can quickly and efficiently convert between throwing and sweeping. This product would be marketed towards beginners to aid their balance while throwing, while still teaching them how to hold a broom during the throw, without getting in the way of their sweeping.

the process

learning models

A homemade toy rocket made from cardboard tubes, duct tape, and paper, positioned on a black surface against a gray background.
A person's hand gripping a cylindrical object wrapped in duct tape and medical tape, with two rolled pieces of medical tape protruding from the top.
A gray cylindrical object wrapped in silver foil with pink foam padding at both ends, connected to two white cardboard tubes with pink foam padding, set against a plain gray background.
A person with painted nails holding a cylindrical object wrapped in gray tape, wearing a light blue long sleeve shirt, against a dark gray background.

To begin the process, I created two learning models. With these, I was able to explore human factors and ergonomics with a physical representation of the equipment

Human factors and ergonomics

Infographic explaining human factors and ergonomics of a stopwatch broom grip, showcasing key dimensions, comfort, dexterity, ease of use, and safety.
Diagram of a curling stabilizer with key dimensions labeled, showing a handle and a cylindrical body, along with photos demonstrating grip, safety, flexibility, and ergonomic features for curling equipment.

I then assessed the physical needs of each product using the learning models. I measured general dimensions and determined necessary safety and dexterity features

ideation sketches + feedback

Multiple sketches and diagrams of a handheld device, showing various angles and mechanical parts, each labeled with annotations
A wall covered with numerous sketches and diagrams of mechanical parts, some highlighted in red, gray, or purple, and a cardboard sign labeled 'Molly' at the top center.

With pen and marker, I sketched dozens of ideas and presented them to my classmates and curling teammates. From there, I was able to narrow it down to some of the most popular forms and features for prototyping.

form model families

A collection of green foam pipes of various lengths and shapes arranged on a gray surface.

Using this feedback, I made three potential forms of each product, incorporating the most popular features. From here, I was able to receive more feedback by having my classmates and teammates hold and use each product

Set of small foam airplane models in green color, shown from different angles on a gray surface.
Four pastel-colored chalks arranged on a dark surface, with one chalk showing a silver metallic surface and diverse shaped tips, alongside a photo with the same chalks in a different perspective.
Collage of six images showing hands holding pastel-colored foam pool noodles in various positions.

final product + packaging

A gray digital heating pad with a timer display attached to a gray surface.

For the final models, I used foam with acrylic components. The main, cylindrical forms were made on a lathe, and the buttons, legs, and screen wing were hand carved with a small knife. The red caps on the legs are made of laser cut acrylic rings around a wooden dowel. The “screen” is made of sticker paper.

Once every component was cut out, they were glued together with wood glue, spackled to fill in the holes, primed, and painted gray and red. The red signifies buttons or moving parts, while the minimalistic, gray bodies prevent distraction during play.

A white plastic device with labels indicating molded plastic legs, a foam body, plastic hinge caps, and molded plastic legs, with a red circular button or knob on the side.
Close-up of a model rocket with labeled parts: molded plastic button at the top, molded plastic wing on the side, foam body, and digital display screen.

Stopwatch grip in use

Multiple hands holding a gray timer with a digital display on a gray surface.

The rectangular button on top of the screen is the start/stop button, so that the sweeper can easily go from pressing the button to gripping their thumb around that wing. The reset button is on the end and requires the athlete to hold the button down to reset in order to prevent accidental resets during play.

Stabilizer grip in use

A person with pink nail polish in a gold bracelet uses a gray hand exerciser to strengthen their fingers and hand muscles in a studio setting.

The photo on the left shows how the attachment is held during the throw. It creates a more stable base, while still keeping the broom at an angle to teach proper form. When it’s time to sweep, the curler simply flips the legs and grips the divot under the front leg, encouraging proper hand position low on the broom.

A digital stopwatch grip by Hammer House Curling Equipment, attached to its packaging, resting on a gray surface.

branding

I created a brand - Hammer House Curling Equipment - to go with these products and designed a logo and package card in Adobe Illustrator. I adhered the package design onto cardboard and laser cut it out. From there, I secured the product to the packaging card with string.

Packaging for Hammer House curling equipment, featuring a target design with red, white, and blue concentric circles and the words 'STOPWATCH GRIP' on a light blue background.
A black rolling pin with red straps hanging on a display hook, and a digital timer showing 00:00, attached to a peghook on a pegboard.