A user-focused solution to SAR knot tying training.
The objective of this project was to improve the tools/resources used to train SAR (Search and Rescue). I used the Design Sprint process and conducted interviews with my user to determine which specific part of the process needed to be improved. I decided to tackle the practicing portion of knot tying after trainee’s have been taught how to tie the knots.
My primary research revealed that trainee’s were not retaining the information they learned in training in order for them to practice their knots at home. This led to trainee’s relearning knots at the next training instead of learning new knots, thus, delaying completion of training.
I conducted two interviews, one with a SAR trainee and the other with an ROTC student.
During my research, I learned about the four different types of learning: auditory, visual, tactile and kinesthetic. All of these learning types would need to be incorporated into the final design in order for any user to retain the information.
I originally thought my solution was going to be an app. However, as my project progressed, I kept my user in mind and realized a physical practicing tool would be much more practical.
I found a study done by John’s Hopkins University that revealed a quicker way to learn a new task. The study claimed that humans are able to learn a task twice as fast if the size and weight of the tool used for practicing the task is slightly modified. This led me to change the size of the rope used for practicing knot tying.
My final design is a practicing tool - a knot guide that provides the user with proper examples and printed cards explaining the tying procedures. It consists of thin ropes and cards attached to a main ring via miniature carabiners. The trainer will send the trainee home with the knots learned in training. The trainee’s will practice the knots between trainings and the knots will not change on the ring until the trainee has successfully tied to the knot in training without assistance.