bouldx

bouldx

bouldx

Services

Product Design

Product Design

Product Design

UX Research

UX Research

UX Research

Year

2024

2024

2024

Bouldx is an ankle brace designed for boulderers returing to climbing after recovering from an ankle injury.

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

Given that standard ankle braces don’t fit in rock climbing shoes, how might we design a brace to support reentry to rock climbing, both physically and mentally, after an ankle injury?

Given that standard ankle braces don’t fit in rock climbing shoes, how might we design a brace to support reentry to rock climbing, both physically and mentally, after an ankle injury?

Given that standard ankle braces don’t fit in rock climbing shoes, how might we design a brace to support reentry to rock climbing, both physically and mentally, after an ankle injury?


Climbing injuries are a common challenge for boulderers, and the numbers highlight just how prevalent these injuries are in the community. From a survey I conducted, there was a surprising disparity between the amount of injuries and preventative measures taken by climbers.

Interview and Survey Synthesis

Interview and Survey Synthesis

Interview and Survey Synthesis

Insights

Insights

Insights

Current Solution: Ankle tape

Current Solution: Ankle tape

Current Solution: Ankle tape

Design Goals

Design Goals

Design Goals

ITERATIONS & Testing

ITERATIONS & Testing

ITERATIONS & Testing

Final design



Final design

Final design



Using BouldX is simple. Put on the sock and pull the stirrup under your heel. Follow the embroidery to wrap the straps across your foot and around your heel. Repeat with the other strap, put on your shoes, and climb.