u/Salt-Fish000

Hi everyone! I’m a scuba diver and a product designer. I’ve started an R&D project to rethink technical scuba apparel (rash guards, base layers, and wetsuits) because, honestly, I feel like we’re missing out on the design innovation we see in other outdoor sports.

Beyond the gear itself, what unites us all is our love for the ocean and the natural world. I believe our equipment should reflect that—it should be functional, respectful of our anatomy, and designed to match the beauty and complexity of the environment we explore.

Too often, current gear feels either dated or relies on outdated industry tropes (like simply "shrinking" men's gear for women). I want to move past that and create something that is truly "next level" for everyone—regardless of gender.

I’m looking to gather insights from the whole community to help shape this from the ground up:

1. The Shared Experience: What is the one piece of gear that you feel is "stuck in the past"? What’s missing in terms of functionality, comfort, or design that could make our time underwater even better?
2. Technical Needs: Whether you’re diving recreationally or technically, what are your specific pain points? (e.g., thermal regulation, layering comfort under drysuits, range of motion, smart storage).
3. The Design Gap: We see incredible innovation in climbing, cycling, and surfing gear—why do you think the diving industry is lagging behind? What would a "modern" approach to scuba design look like to you?
4. Gender-Specific Insights: To help me get this right, I’d love to hear both from women and men about where current designs specifically fall short for your respective needs. What do you wish existed that doesn't?

I’m aiming to bridge the gap between pro-level technical functionality and forward-thinking design. Your experience and perspectives are the most valuable tools I could have for this project.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! :D

Hi everyone!

I’m a scuba diver and a product designer. I’ve started an R&D project to rethink technical scuba apparel (rash guards, base layers, and wetsuits) because, honestly, I feel like we’re missing out on the design innovation we see in other outdoor sports.

Beyond the gear itself, what unites us all is our love for the ocean and the natural world. I believe our equipment should reflect that—it should be functional, respectful of our anatomy, and designed to match the beauty and complexity of the environment we explore.

Too often, current gear feels either dated or relies on outdated industry tropes (like simply "shrinking" men's gear for women). I want to move past that and create something that is truly "next level" for everyone—regardless of gender.

I’m looking to gather insights from the whole community to help shape this from the ground up:

1. The Shared Experience: What is the one piece of gear that you feel is "stuck in the past"? What’s missing in terms of functionality, comfort, or design that could make our time underwater even better?
2. Technical Needs: Whether you’re diving recreationally or technically, what are your specific pain points? (e.g., thermal regulation, layering comfort under drysuits, range of motion, smart storage).
3. The Design Gap: We see incredible innovation in climbing, cycling, and surfing gear—why do you think the diving industry is lagging behind? What would a "modern" approach to scuba design look like to you?
4. Gender-Specific Insights: To help me get this right, I’d love to hear both from women and men about where current designs specifically fall short for your respective needs. What do you wish existed that doesn't?

I’m aiming to bridge the gap between pro-level technical functionality and forward-thinking design. Your experience and perspectives are the most valuable tools I could have for this project.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! :D