RGE Design

What is it?

The Obo goalkeeper water bottle is designed by a company specialising in goalkeeping equipment, for field hockey goalkeepers. It is used by goalkeepers when they are kitted up and on the pitch.

Why is it good design?

I believe that this water bottle is good design as it solves a problem. Goalkeepers no longer have to take off their gloves and helmets to have a sip of water and therefore, decreasing the length of time they are away from their goals. The long spout can easily go between the spaces in the helmets cage and reach the goalkeepers mouth, allowing them to take a drink of water with their helmet off. The spout is flexible so the user can more easily manoeuvre the water bottle to get a drink.

The water bottle can be opened and shut with one hand, resulting in the user taking off only one piece of protective equipment. It is also moulded with space for the fingers so that the water bottle can more easily be gripped by the user.

All these factors reduce the time the goalkeeper is away from their goal by making it easier for them to get a drink of water and preventing them from having to remove several parts of the protective gear.

The bottle being made of plastic means it is less likely to get damaged on the pitch and can be easily thrown down if the goalkeeper need to quickly be able to engage with play. It will still get scratched from the synthetic surface of the pitch as would happen with any material, but s durable and long-lasting as I have found from having my own for 2 years.

This design is simple but effective. A simple change to a pre-existing design to make it work in a specific scenario. It may not look as appealing as other water bottles, but I think the use of one contrasting colour against the black works well and you know the target market from just reading the water bottle itself.