Construction engineering firm Clayco is vetting manufacturers to produce the “hard hat of the future,” according to an article in Building Design + Construction. To do this, Clayco partnered with a team of students and faculty members at the Savannah, Georgia, College of Arts and Design (SCAD) to conduct an investigation into improving hard hat design.
According to the article, the global hard-hat market is expected to hit $3.19 billion in sales in 2025, from $2.1 billion in 2016. Because of this, Clayco started the investigation by evaluating different hard hat design trends worldwide.
To gain a better understanding of how construction workers use their hard hats, the students visited Clayco’s job site for a 14-story residence hall at SCAD’s Atlanta campus to observe and interview workers. The students also created an online survey that received 188 responses from workers at various locations around the country.
The research concluded that while existing hard hats are safe, workers are often not wearing them because the hats are uncomfortable or too hot. Many of the workers also wore sunglasses on the job, which could affect the wearability of the helmets.
From this research, students developed eight hard hat concepts. Clayco selected two prototypes to move forward with, the “Pollux,” and the “Captain.” Pollux’s design is based on workers’ need for adaptability, offering a customizable design that allows users to attach a magnetic LED light or mount a GoPro camera.
The second prototype, Captain, features a different design entirely. The hat is shaped closer to a helmet, with vents at the top and the brim. The hat also has portals for multiple accessory attachments.
In choosing the two models, Clayco considered weight, ventilation, lighting, and attachments.
From this research, students developed eight hard hat concepts. Clayco selected two prototypes to move forward with, the “Pollux,” and the “Captain.” Pollux’s design is based on workers’ need for adaptability, offering a customizable design that allows users to attach a magnetic LED light or mount a GoPro camera.
The second prototype, Captain, features a different design entirely. The hat is shaped closer to a helmet, with vents at the top and the brim. The hat also has portals for multiple accessory attachments.
