During the Ski World Championships 2013 in Schladming, evolaris conducted a field study with Oakley Airwave data goggles. Based on the positive feedback given by test persons, evolaris applied for the EU-research project “Experimedia – Innovate in New Media” and succeeded. A prototypical software for data ski goggles which will provide live-information for winter sports athletes via a mini-display inside the goggle will be developed during the upcoming winter season.

Since the project has started at the beginning of October, developments of the data glasses software are proceeding at full speed. In order to gather relevant information regarding the range of features and interaction design, evolaris conducts surveys based on the co-creation approach. As a first step, data on usage intentions of potential users are collected through focus groups and online interviews. In January and March 2014, two field studies will be carried out in the holiday region Schladming-Dachstein at the Planai in order to test the data glasses software developed by evolaris in a real-life-environment and to further optimize the features provided.

Which special features do the data ski goggles offer?

The Oakley Airwave Ski Goggles are equipped with a GPS antenna, various integrated sensors and a micro-display through which the user can retrieve relevant information. Besides the integrated standard information such as speed, elevation and distance travelled, the application developed by evolaris will provide live information regarding weather and snow conditions, waiting time at lifts and special restaurant offers. Based on an integrated navigation system which was developed by Ski amadé, skiers who are not familiar with the resort can navigate easily from one lift to another without having to stop for looking at route boards.

With this project, evolaris continues its path of not only exploring data glasses from a technical point of view but also developing practically relevant business models. The concept regarding technical realisation, user-acceptance and commercial exploitability is developed in close collaboration with evolaris’ project partner Schladming 2030.

Besides Schladming 2030, further local partners such as the Planai-Hochwurzen company, Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Marketing, Ski amadé and Blue Tomato are supporting the project to achieve the best possible project results and to add another excellent service to the existing portfolio.

This project is co-funded by the European Union.