Cobble

BYND RECT I (24/25)

BFA Design

Discover BYND RECT I

Outline

Cobble provides a set of functions: real-time alerts to reduce anxiety, live location sharing, and reliable SOS system.

Our core product is not only limited to the keychain- through screens such as notifications and plug-ins, we prioritize your safety that is protected in boundless innovative ways.

Team: +82

Story

Cobble started with a simple question: What can we bring into our daily lives that embodies comfort, security, and empathy?

The answer emerged from a common yet intriguing object—a keychain. Small enough to carry every day, yet powerful enough to assist during moments of vulnerability. This vision sparked the creation of Cobble.

The name Cobble reflects our commitment to making comfort accessible. It is for anyone who feels unsafe, no matter their identity, gender, or status. Its sole purpose is to make people feel safe while walking alone.

Inspired by the small, sturdy cobblestones, Cobble is designed to serve as a round, friendly companion to keep you solid as a rock. We wanted to create a product that protects you from outside harm, keeping you safe and changeless like the resilient cobblestones that do not lose their form regardless of how much the tidal waves strike them.

Our design draws from empathy and a collective responsibility for public safety. Cobble doesn’t just alert; it connects, empowers, and protects. It pairs cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to offer real-time crime tracking, location sharing with selected individuals, and an SOS mode that activates emergency support with a single action.

Cobble transforms what you carry daily into a lifeline, turning the dark streets into pathways of comfort and peace of mind. It is more than a tool, but a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and community care. Together, we pave the way for a safer tomorrow.

What We Did

Concept Development
For a deeper analysis of the concept of public safety, we discussed factors that impact us during our daily lives. We narrowed down that walking alone at night causes anxiety and tension about what might happen in the streets, causing hyper vigilance and unease. Thus, we decided to create a safety keychain and service that uses AI to suggest safe routes, send alerts, and provide an SOS button for emergencies. We also added features for people who would like to stay connected with family or friends on their way home.
UX Research
To validate our concept, we carried out user interviews and surveys to gain insights into our potential target audience. We went through 20 1-on-1 interviews with both domestic and international interviewees, with 40 survey respondents. The questions focused on gaining thoughts and data about the unease and anxiety of people when they are walking alone. Based on the research, we learned that 1. people found the SOS Button with immediate assistance most helpful in a safety-related app, and 2. at certain moments people felt most unsafe and vulnerable walking alone at night, followed by confrontation or conflict with strangers and in public transportation.
Visual Identity & Branding
The visual concept and brand identity for Cobble came as a minimal approach. Since Cobble is intended for use in emergency situations, we simplify the function in which the form also follows the same direction. Therefore, we came up with the rounded oval shape of cobblestone, to ensure easy access when grabbing it. For the time-sensitive notification for multiple digital devices(Smart Watches, Mobile, etc.), we selected SF Pro as a clear and functional typeface. The muted blue color palette not only visualized our high accessibility and efficiency, but also showed the connection to our primary inspiration, cobblestones.
UI
Our core product is not only limited to the keychain: through screens such as notifications and plug-ins, we prioritize your safety that is protected in boundless innovative ways. Since safety is our top priority, our main focus is on creating a clear and simple UI. A straightforward interface ensures that users can quickly and easily find exactly what they need, enhancing both usability and reliability in critical situations.
Prototyping
The prototyping stage began with a simple question” What is the most ergonomic form for humans to hold?” Building on this idea, we extended the design to include an SOS on/off function using a toggle—a universal and intuitive interaction. To ensure greater safety and prevent accidental activation, we conducted button accessibility research. Based on user testing, the switch was designed to require 400g of force to activate, reducing the likelihood of unintended operation due to environmental factors. Cobble was developed with a clear focus on creating a product that is accessible and effortless for everyone, without limitations. Our prototype reflects this commitment to usability and inclusivity.
Visual Storytelling
We structured the video to highlight the most essential aspects to convey simplicity and precision. To make this possible, we collaborated with students in the 3D modeling and animating department to create high-quality renders of the image and design we made for Cobble. We felt there was no need to overly emphasize or dramatize the fear, especially the dangers which our target audience face, because these are clear situations we already deeply empathize with and stand in solidarity against. Therefore, we focused on delivering our message in the simplest yet most accurate way, staying true to our brand identity simple but with a strong and lasting impact.

An image that shows how flipping the Cobble switch calls for an SOS.

Media

A mobile device showing the services Cobble has to offer.

Two Cobble Devices with the word Cobble over them.

An image showing how the Cobble device is activated via a switch.

A diagram showing how the Cobble app works on a watch.