Process: InsightsDesignConceptUser ResearchNew ConceptPresent


Run/Fish - Smith Optics




Macro Trend: Why are we doing sports? 


Sport as Performance
2005—2014


pushing physical boundaries
winning and losing
competition 
dedication


Sport as Adventure
2016—2021



the adrenaline of the moment
new places
an end to itself


Sport as Meditation
2021—??
presence 
mindful suffering
community
contemplation





Leaders in “Sport as Meditation”






District Vision and Satisfy Running are examples of brands who utilize this meditative value of sport. The majority of their innovation is cultural.

Smith’s strong history of technical innovation primes the brand to better serve people in this headspace.





Run/Fish


The common link between running and fishing is meditation.

This is a growing sport where people combine trail running and sport fishing. Sometimes for very long distances. This provides a perfect opportunity for Smith to play in this meditation space.
































Revisit: A New Friend Jack



Just a bit before I had planned to present the project to the ID team at Cinco, I met a friend who participated in this sport. I dove into a conversation about his needs and style. Was a running shield really the correct?Fishing Aesthetic

Jack prioritized an aesthetic that leaned classic angler, with the addition of running performance features.


Polarization

Polarization is a must for any fishing sunglass. We also talked about the lens being non reflective and a little more see through from the outside.


Lightweight

Jack needed these to be just light enough that they run easy.


Protection

Jack expressed that guides have made him wear glasses on rivers as eye protection from flying lures.


Stays On

Jack’s biggest problem with running glasses in general is fit. They always slide down his nose.


Storage

Jack is always needs way to store his glasses off of his face as well as keep them tight while running. A small croakie would be nice for him.








Montana Ivy


I helped Jack identify what he meant by a “fishing aesthetic”.

Montana Ivy style that is cotton, cork, and catching fish. It is A River Runs Through It. It is from a time when materials were worked by hand with a high level of skill.









Trotman


Run/Fish eyewear concept presented to Smith Optics July 2024.
Thanks to Scott Layton and others at Cinco Design for the reviews and feedback.