Holmes Solutions · Tru Blue Auto Belay

CLIENT: HOLMES SOLUTIONS

PROJECT: TRU BLUE AUTO BELAY


The climber operates many meters from the floor, and pauses to look up at the TruBlue belay device before committing himself to some difficult pitches. Simply put, this is adrenaline inducing, highly exposed, sport climbing.

We wanted the product to exude a visual sense of strength and accuracy for even high level climbers relying on a belay. We developed the industrial design aspects from a range of forms created for this technical package. A requirement was that they should look as if they 'do the business'.

Mechanical design work incorporating a magnetic core was developed by Holmes Solutions in assocation with Clip'nClimb. Industrial design work was directed by Michael Woods. Production design was completed by idesign.

The final design chosen by our clients was called the Watch design. It is designed to convey impressions of solidity, ruggedness, watchlike technical accuracy, and a totally dependable quality. Sections used contribute to the actual and apparent strength required of a product acting as the sole restraint on falling or descending climbers.

red dot design award winner

2011
RED DOT AWARD, GERMANY. AUTOBELAY