The Future of the Football Helmet
Published by James Thamson
May 07, 2018
History of the Helmet
American professional football has a long, storied history. Over the past century, the football helmet has evolved slowly and steadily from a rudimentary piece of padded leather, into the hard-shell-and-facemask design of today.
However, the football helmet has become more than just a piece of safety equipment. As an object, it stands out as one of the most impactful icons in sports—symbolizing aggressive power, bone-crushing action, and gladiator-like legend. The helmet has grown into a leading and essential brand vehicle for professional teams, and the league as a whole. As a device that’s worn by every player on every down, the function of the football helmet has the unique potential to profoundly impact players and fans—and shape the future of the game.
Areas of Design Neglect
Despite slow and steady design innovation over many decades, helmet manufacturers are yet to eliminate several basic functionality problems, likely due to outdated league policies and/or manufacturing cost limitations.
• Body of the helmet isn’t integrated well with the form of the archaic wire facemasks
• External snap-on chin straps are clumsy and visually distracting (and often fail during game play)
• Undesirable overall weight continues to add discomfort over long periods of time
• Team branding options are limited to basic paint finishes, topical graphic decals, and limited accent options
• Although not neglected, concussion safety is and will continue to be a challenge for decades to come
Evolved Form Design
Our design case study represents what we believe is a fairly realistic forecast of how the industry may react to these opportunities.
Our case study was imagined with true-to-life manufacturing processes in mind, allowing us to create a modern aesthetic that will be feasible in the near future—and doesn’t compromise some of the sacred, iconic aesthetics that players and fans cherish.
• More accelerated, directional form language
• Molded facemask designs with sophisticated surface & material changes
• Chin strap attachments feed inside helmet—eliminating distracting snaps & buckles
• More strategic venting to allow for airflow through the helmet.
The Ultimate Wearable Device
As the ultimate wearable device, the football helmet will further elevate player performance by integrating connectivity.
• Embedded impact sensors that alert trainers and coaches about on field collisions
• Heads up display (HUD) facemask visors
• On-board cameras (front & rear) to capture the game from every angle
The Ultimate Wearable Device
As the ultimate wearable device, the football helmet will further elevate player performance by integrating connectivity.
• Embedded impact sensors that alert trainers and coaches about on field collisions
• Heads up display (HUD) facemask visors
• On-board cameras (front & rear) to capture the game from every angle