Intuitive proximity in corona times

Out of a desire to contribute positively during the Covid-19 pandemic, OID formed an ad hoc team with Tim Dassen of Code Product Solutions and Mark Curfs of Curfs Consult. Our aim was to develop a tool that could help people adapt to working under social distancing rules.

By combining our experience and networks in digital technology, food & beverage and product development, we rapidly developed HelloHalo, a wearable smart distancing device for professional environments.

We researched working practices in hospitality and designed the device around that context. Rather than focusing solely on monitoring and warnings, we aimed to create an intuitive tool that helped people develop a natural sense of the required distance. Using highly accurate Ultra-Wideband technology, Hello Halo could objectively measure the distance between users without storing personal data.

During market validation, the combination of a wearable badge with generous label space, direct feedback, accurate distance sensing and a circular product concept resonated with organisations in hospitality, culture and other professional environments.

Product development, engineering, marketing and sales were developed in parallel. Together, the team moved from concept to a functional product within weeks, including a circular business model designed around reuse, disassembly and return of the devices.

OID has supported technology start-ups since 2013 in realising their ideas. For more information about HelloHalo or OID’s services, please get in touch.

Thanks to Combekk for lending the contextual image.

Tim Dassen, co-founder of Code Product Solutions: “I loved the collaboration and the start-up mentality in this project.”