ChalkTap
Chalk is indispensable for rock climbers as it keeps their hands dry during climbs. This ensures a stronger and more consistent grip, crucial for tackling smaller holds effectively. Even a slight improvement in grip can significantly impact climbing performance, highlighting the importance of chalk for climbers.
This project re-imagines how climbers access chalk mid-climb with a more comfortable and ergonomic product solution.
Client:
DAAP Soft Goods Studio
Sector:
Wearable
Year:
2023
My Role:
Design research, Ideation, Sketching, CAD, 3D visualization and animation,
Product Needs
A modern, ergonomic way to apply chalk to hands while climbing.
Ergonomic
Efficient
Durable
Problem
Analysis of the traditional chalk bag and the issues that have not been addressed.
Loose Chalk in traditional chalk bags indoors are being banned from indoor climbing gyms.
Poor ergonomics make it difficult to reach behind your back while climbing.
There has been a lack of innovation in the design and concept of chalk bags.
Objective
Create a wearable chalk bag that is easier to reach than a traditional chalk bag,
allowing climbers to reduce the amount of idle time wasted trying to apply chalk.
Ideation
Concept sketches exploring different form factors that fit the user's needs while looking at the best location on the body of the device.
Initial Form
The chest would be the best location to put the chalk since it is easily accessible for both hands. A chest-mounted chalk bag would also need three straps to secure the bag to the user while they are climbing.
Form Refinement
The form eventually changed from a triangle into a hexagon. This still allows for the three straps while also showcasing the form better while in use. More thought was also put into how the chalk would be replenished. Either a refillable bag or a replaceable one.
Prototyping
This was the first attempt at using 3D printing for the outer shell. Using an SLA printer with flexible resign allowed the form to stay solid but still flexible enough that it could conform to different body types.
Prototype Problem
The initial idea was to have the straps run through these little bars but we quickly ran into a problem. The bars were too thin, making them bigger was not an option because it ruined the aesthetic. Now the goal was to find a way to connect the straps to the outer shell without ruining the form.
Solution
Instead of adding an external mounting point and trying to hide it, why not build the mounting point into the overall form?
By cutting notches into the outer shell, not only does it keep the initial form without any unnecessary detail, it is also stronger than any other type of mount used before. Now by threading the strap through and sewing it in place the mount will be securely bound to the climber.
Assembly
To explore optimal ergonomic forms, I used foam models to quickly iterate ideas. Iteration revealed which one would increase the controllability of the device while still allowing the user to use a pencil-style grip comfortably.
01
Here is the final model including the outer casing as well as the cartridge that will be wrapped and filled with chalk.
02
This was a struggle to thread the straps through the outer shell and position it to fit under the sewing machine.
03
The next step is to sew all three straps together in the back making sure nothing gets tangled in the process.
04
The final assembly is all put together! The only thing left is to fill the pouch with chalk and test it out.
Climbing Review
The Chalk Tap worked perfectly while climbing on the wall. It was easy to reach with both hands and very quick, there was no struggling just tap and go. It was so efficient that I was able to chalk my hands in between moves without slowing down or stopping, something that would have been impossible with a traditional chalk bag.
CMF Study
A study of possible colorway options for the chalk tap, to enable personalization for everyone.
Final Design
The ChalkTap is a chest-mounted chalk bag for climbers that is easy to reach.
