About Orion
Orion is a smart navigation system, which helps visually impaired individuals in their everyday life. The main idea lies in using technology for turning an everyday acessory, like a cap, into a funcionable navigation system. This smart hat is designed to serve as a "digital assistant" for mobility, integrating complex technology into a simple and comfortable acessory to wear.
Orion's goal is to increase the independence and safety of the user. The device detects obstacles around it and alerts the user, through different systems, light and sound in Orion 1, and vibration, audio and light in Orion 2. Through different components, this device identifies obstacles, filling the disadvantages of the traditional cane and creating a safer environment for the user's free movement.
The name “Orion” was not chosen by chance; it carries a historical and mythological weight that gives it a deeper and more poetic dimension.
In Greek mythology, Orion was known as the greatest and strongest hunter in the world. He was said to be so tall that he could walk on the bottom of the sea and still have his head above the surface. Just as Orion could walk where others couldn't, the “Orion” hat allows its users to walk safely in spaces previously considered dangerous.
According to the legend, after his death, Zeus placed Orion among the stars as a bright constellation. For thousands of years, this constellation has been the first guide of humanity. Ancient sailors looked to the “Belt of Orion” to find the right path in the complete darkness of the ocean.
The “Orion” hat functions as a “technological constellation”. It provides orientation in the "darkness" created by the lack of vision, becoming the modern guide that replaces the ancient stars with ultrasonic sensors.
In some versions of the myth, Orion loses his sight, but manages to regain it by traveling east, towards the first rays of the sun.
The "Orion" hat is not just a device; it is a tool that "returns sight" in digital form. Through signaling, the user creates a new image of the world.
About Us
We are a group of five 17-year olds, wanting to make a difference in our community. Because this problem is present everywhere in our environments, we started working on a solution, that makes visually impaired people's life, just a little easier. Blind people face an environment every day that is not designed for their needs, creating difficulties in orientation and free movement without constant assistance. Addressing this issue is essential because it directly increases the physical safety and self-confidence of the user. By using the “Orion” technology, we reduce the need for dependence on others and promote social inclusion. Such a device is not just an assistive device, but a step towards full independence and dignity for a social category that is often left behind.
Joining all of our talents together as friends, we were able to create a product that could help people who need it most.
Marina Daci
The Lead Developer
"As the lead of our group, for hardware and software development, I focused on building the "brain" of the smart cap. This involved designing a custom circuit architecture and writing the code that processes sensor inputs into real-time feedback for the user. My goal was to ensure the technology was not only powerful and responsive but also incredibly reliable, providing a seamless technical foundation that our users can trust in their day-to-day lives."
Kristjana Pirko
The Integration Specialist & Field Researcher
"My role bridged the gap between raw technology and the human experience. I took on the challenge of physically integrating the circuitry into the cap’s structure to ensure durability and comfort. Beyond the build, I acted as a field researcher, working directly with the visually impaired community to gather qualitative data. By analyzing their feedback and observing how they interacted with the prototype, I helped translate user needs into tangible improvements for the final design."
Enis Çobo
The Communications Lead
"I am the voice of the project, dedicated to building a community around our mission and sharing our journey with the world. My work involves crafting a compelling digital narrative that highlights the impact of our smart cap across various social platforms. By managing our online presence, I ensure that our updates reach the people who need them most, connecting with users, organizations, and partners to amplify our message of accessibility and innovation."
Raisa Qepa
The Project Economist
"Behind every great innovation is a sustainable model that makes it accessible to the public. As the group’s economist, I managed our budget, sourced cost-effective components without compromising quality, and developed our long-term financial strategy. My focus is on ensuring that the smart cap remains affordable for our target demographic while maintaining a viable path for production and future scaling, making sure the project is as fiscally sound as it is socially impactful."
Vanesa Ziu
The Product Designer & Field Researcher
"I wear two caps: ensuring the cap looks and feels great, and ensuring it works in the real world. As the designer, I focused on the ergonomics and aesthetics of the cap, making sure it was lightweight and intuitive to use. Additionally, I joined our field research efforts, conducting hands-on testing sessions with blind participants. This dual role allowed me to take the insights gathered during research and immediately apply them to the product’s form and interface, creating a truly user-centered design."