We had the chance to interview Hind Hobeika about her butterfleye project – swimming goggles integrating essential electronic applications for all swimmers.
Where did the initial idea for the butterfleye project come from? What is it about?
The idea of butterfleye- smart swimming goggles came from a need I felt as a swimmer to monitor my heart rate during practice. I wanted a method to measure my pulse without having to wear a belt, watch or finger device… something that would be integrated into an accessory that I already wear: my goggles!
It is a very clever approach to integrate the technology into sports equipment that is worn anyway during the activity. What stage is the project at right now?
The project is still in early prototyping. I am working with an engineer, an industrial designer, a product researcher and a fluids expert to go over the design and take it to market level.
Currently, what would help you most to push your project to the next level?
I think the biggest challenge is miniaturization, making the device as small as possible which means more extensive engineering, research and design, and testing.
Have you been involved in other projects related to wearing technology on the body before? What is your background?
I am a mechanical engineer and my final year project was about quantifying the amount of ventilation between the skin and clothing in the upper body for a laborer. For this, my team and I had to build a jacket with temperature, humidity and wind sensors in order to derive the equations for quantification.
Besides your goggles, what is your favorite Wearable Technologies product at the moment?
I have a Timex Ironman watch that I wear all the time to measure my heart rate and calories! It motivates me!
We are looking forward to Hind’s progress and are wishing her the best of luck.
