Crowcon.
Elevating a trusted leader in gas detection.
WMP helped Crowcon develop its next-generation range of wearable gas detectors. Designed for hazardous environments, Crowcon's portables range needed moderinisation without compromising on the reliability its users depend on.
Sectors
Expertise
Solutions
Background.
A trusted gas-detection leader that needed to modernise without losing what users trust.
As competitors caught up, Crowcon turned to WMP to shape the next generation of its wearables.
Crowcon is recognised worldwide for producing reliable, lifesaving gas-detection equipment for hazardous environments. As competitors advanced their technology, Crowcon partnered with WMP to define the next generation of their wearable devices: modernising functionality while preserving the trusted durability their users rely on. Crowcon's wearable range spans multiple devices and a calibration station, all requiring a consistent approach.
The Journey.
A range shaped by real-world insight, from first sketch to final form.
Designed from real insight into a cohesive ecosystem.
WMP delivered a full digital and product design programme, unifying physical hardware, interface design and Crowcon's cloud-based Crowcon Connect platform into a cohesive ecosystem. WMP worked in close collaboration with the Crowcon team on research, innovation and industrial design. Once the design intent had been set and validated with users, Crowcon's internal team took the design in-house to complete development, DFM and mechanical engineering.
The Solution.
A considered experience. Designed from real insight.
Through extensive interviews, field studies and confined-space training, the WMP team immersed themselves in the environments Crowcon’s users work in. These insights informed the entire product strategy, highlighting pain points and shaping the user journey across setup, daily use, maintenance and data handling.
Creative ideation and form factor exploration.
Crowcon asked WMP to explore new approaches for the next generation of portable gas detection. The design team investigated a wide range of internal component configurations to understand their impact on form factor, balance and ergonomic usability. Early consideration was given to the relationship between the handheld device, the calibration station and future accessories to ensure a simple and coherent product ecosystem.
Multiple form factors were prototyped and tested with target users for early feedback and validation. Insights from real-world stakeholders informed the selection of the preferred direction and ensured the design responded to practical operational needs.
Once a direction was selected, the prototyping programme informed iterative improvements to ergonomics, visibility and durability. Known failure points, including clips and displays, were protected through recessed geometry and reinforced mouldings. These measures increased robustness while maintaining compact dimensions and intuitive handling.
Let's work together
Let's partner to create brand, product, and experience solutions that move people and markets.
Simplifying the use.
Users praised Crowcon’s single-button interface for its simplicity and reliability. WMP preserved this intuitive approach while improving clarity, reducing confusion points and ensuring effortless navigation, even without looking.
Through extensive interviews with users across diverse industries, we gained valuable insights into the unique needs and real-world requirements of end-users. This intelligence directly informed the development of a new, advanced physical and interactive prototype. Our UX team prototyped the new UX and GUI early in the process, allowing us to test with users and gather valuable feedback prior to full software development, positioning Crowcon’s wearable gas safety products to reach new heights of market leadership.
Dual-gas detection made simple.
The most versatile portable two-gas detector with downward-facing sensors to minimise false CO2 alarms from users exhaling.
Designed to be long-lasting, flexible, rugged and easy-to-use, the DuoIQ delivers best-in-class performance in an ultra-compact form factor. Worker safety has never been so simple.
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Quick swap, pre-calibrated sensor module.
The plug-and-play, pre-calibrated sensor trays can be swapped with ease, reducing waste, downtime, easing maintenance, and reducing overall cost. Switch effortlessly between dual and single-gas detection, giving the flexibility for users to target the exact gases they need. -
Curved base.
Curving the base stops users from being able to stand the device down on a wet or dirty surface and unintentionally covering or clogging the sensors. -
Built for tough environments.
DuoIQ is engineered for the toughest working environments. It's IP68-rated and built to withstand a 6-metre drop, giving users confidence that the device will keep performing after a knock, a soaking or a fall from height, exactly the kind of punishment gas detectors take in the field.
Smarter by design.
Bright flashing LED alarm lights and a 95dB alarm sounder alert the user if the environment is unsafe.
The design features a recessed screen with bright backlit display with a wide viewing angle for improved visibility. The reinforced mounting clip is more robust providing secure attachment to a wide variety of clothing and PPE.
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Calibration station: accuracy meets clarity.
The calibration station underpins Crowcon’s data-driven ecosystem. It automatically verifies sensor performance and transfers calibration data via RFID to Crowcon Connect. A simple plug-in interface ensures a reliable seal without complex mechanisms. -
Part of a bigger system.
Equipped with NFC & Bluetooth Connectivity and backed by the Crowcon Connect system, (Also designed by WMP) keeping track of workforce safety has never been so easy. The design features a recessed screen with bright backlit display with a wide viewing angle for improved visibility. The reinforced mounting clip is more robust providing secure attachment to a wide variety of clothing and PPE. -
Driving sustainability.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the DuoIQ is assembled and tested in a facility powered entirely by renewable energy, 60% of which is generated directly on-site. From the long-life sensors, the dramatically reduced power consumption, and the careful supply chain consideration to the impressive reduction in test gas needed for calibration, sustainable design was at the heart of the process.
The impact.
An award-winning next generation of gas detection, launched and already recognised.
DuoIQ launched in September 2025 and has since won a Red Dot Award for Product Design 2026, recognising the product's achievement in industrial design, usability and innovation. Announcing the award, Crowcon's Head of Product Ben Jones said: 'DuoIQ was created to solve real problems for real users, and every design decision was driven by direct customer insight.' DuoIQ was showcased at the Red Dot Gala in Essen, Germany, and featured in Red Dot's exhibitions, publications and the Red Dot Design Museum Essen.
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Red Dot Award 2026 Product Design
