Nike+ FuelBand
Synapse collaborated with Nike and their partners to develop electromechanical architecture options for the Nike+ FuelBand, which were investigated via non-form factor test vehicles in parallel with the development of the form-factor assembly. Using this non-form factor approach, the team encountered key design challenges before committing to a final product architecture and working through detailed design for mass production. Synapse also developed the device firmware as well as the mobile framework that allows the Nike+ Fuelband to talk to iPhones.
Throughout the development of the Nike+ FuelBand, Synapse exhaustively tested and qualified parts that had never before seen production, notably a novel curved lithium polymer battery. Synapse remained involved in the project after product launch to help Nike continuously enhance the performance of the device and overall user experience.
Key challenges
- Experience testing and validation
- Data compression for transmission over Bluetooth Classic
- Low power architecture development to enable long battery life
- Critical custom component identification and validation
- Curved battery development to enable form-factor with sufficient battery capacity
- Design for reliability and manufacture across multiple sizes
- RF design, test, and certification
Synapse was engaged from early concept generation through launch and ramp to millions of units, helping Nike release a product that defined a new wearable category.
