90° N

Was es macht

90° N provides intuitive directional guidance through body rotation in environments without landmarks—like a compass. Designed for extreme conditions such as Arctic whiteouts, it integrates into solo expedition gear and protects electronics using body heat.

Deine Inspiration

The idea for 90° N originated from Anja Blacha’s 2019 solo expedition to the South Pole. During a multi-day whiteout, she had to navigate almost blindly, highlighting the risk of disorientation. In collaboration with IPEK at OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, we began the project. Discussions and research with Anja showed how unreliable conventional navigation devices can be under extreme conditions like −40 °C, where screens are hard to read or may fail. Our goal was to create an intuitive, robust, body-worn system—a tactile compass that works without visibility and integrates seamlessly into existing expedition gear.

So funktioniert es

The navigation system is first calibrated both dynamically and statically so that the sensors in the compass module understand the user's orientation in space. Once calibration is complete, the module is attached using either a clip-in for ski goggles or a clip-over for sunglasses. The target direction is then set by pressing a button. Two red LEDs indicate the correct direction. As long as the user stays on course, the system remains inactive. If the upper body deviates from the set direction, the system signals left or right, prompting the user to adjust and correct their course.

Designprozess

At the beginning of the project, the experiences of extreme expedition athlete Anja Blacha were documented, and her full gear setup for polar expeditions was thoroughly analyzed. Extensive research led to the development of various concepts on how the wearable could be integrated into her existing equipment—without interfering with elements like harnesses, jackets, or gloves. Through testing, the optimal position for the LEDs was identified to ensure clear signaling without visually distracting the user. It quickly became clear that the batteries needed to be placed close to the body to remain functional in extreme cold using body heat. The sensors were also deliberately positioned on the upper body, allowing the user to look around freely without triggering incorrect direction signals. In the end, the LEDs were mounted onto Anja Blacha’s trusted ski goggles. The challenge was to develop a mounting system that required no adhesives and still fit securely into the goggle frame. The first prototypes were made of spring steel with separate cable connections. After several iterations, a single, flexible TPU part—produced via SLS 3D printing—was developed. It integrates the cable directly and adapts to both the goggle shape and the user's movements.

Warum es anders ist

Unlike conventional compasses, 90° N provides visual signals to the user with minimal power consumption. It is designed to function in scenarios without visual landmarks—such as whiteouts or fog—and can be adapted to different users and use cases. The system is flexible: it can be produced as a standardized series product or customized for individual needs or specific situations. Thanks to SLS 3D printing, the components can be efficiently manufactured while allowing for tailored design variations.

Pläne für die Zukunft

90° N is currently a prototype focused on usability, form, and materiality – developed in collaboration with Anja Blacha and the IPEK institute at OST. While still in an early phase, the goal is to develop 90° N into a functional product that helps people navigate in extreme environments – such as polar explorers, expedition teams diving in low visibility or paragliders flying through fog. The next step is real-world testing and iterative development of the system under actual expedition conditions. The vision is clear: 90° N aims to become a reliable navigation tool for visually challenging environments.

Auszeichnungen

90° N was presented in June 2025 as a bachelor thesis project in Industrial Design at Zurich University of the Arts and was nominated for the prestigious Swiss Design Association (SDA) Award.