Reimagining helmet design for South Asian conditions
Elephant Design conceptualized a modular safety helmet using BASF's advanced materials, delivering lightweight protection with integrated technology
Patented Material
enhanced rider compliance
Designing the helmet’s air circulation system
Multi-climate testing for optimization
Modular component architecture replete with connectivity features
Anti-bacterial material integration 
India's diverse climate conditions and high motorcycle usage demanded a revolutionary helmet design.
The BASF-Elephant collaboration produced "Dune," a concept helmet addressing tropical climate needs, rider comfort, and safety compliance through material innovation and cyberpunk aesthetics. 
Material Science Meets Safety
The collaboration between BASF, a global leader in chemical manufacturing and material innovation, and Vega Helmets India, a prominent protective gear manufacturer, represented a strategic approach to addressing critical safety challenges in the South Asian market. This partnership with Elephant Design aimed to leverage BASF's advanced materials technology to create a concept helmet uniquely suited to address the complex challenges of Indian road conditions while setting a new standard for helmet design through material innovation and user-centered functionality. 
Protection Without Compromise
BASF and Vega Helmets envisioned creating a revolutionary helmet concept that would address the fundamental contradiction in existing helmet design: the trade-off between safety and comfort that leads to low compliance rates in tropical regions. Their aspiration extended beyond incremental improvements to reimagine helmet architecture through materials science, addressing the temperature, weight, and airflow issues that plague conventional designs. The Complete Picture
The ‘Safety’ aspect takes care of most issues to do with impact-based safety and related comfort. We used BASF-developed innovative materials like reverse Infinergy, which is a patented foam. Streaks of rear-end safety lights, a tinted hi-gloss chin cover, removable air filters, an inner dust cover with provisions for integrated audio and communications systems – all come together to create a helmet that’s truly future-proof. The carabiner hook takes centre-stage at the rear with its defining, circular ring-like inlay. The light, rippling, sandy features on the helmet give it its name: Dune, which coincidentally is yet another sci-fi reference that pays homage to the fan-favourite franchise. 
Optimized for South-East Asia
Our concept solution tackles these region-specific challenges through material innovation and purposeful design. BASF's patented reverse Infinergy foam enables a lightweight yet reinforced structure that significantly reduces neck and shoulder strain. The interior features a mesh-like lattice architecture that maximizes airflow while maintaining impact protection. Strategic air entry points incorporate built-in filtration systems to address pollution exposure, while a fog, scratch, and UV-resistant visor ensures visibility in diverse weather conditions. Antibacterial cheek pads and linings address hygiene concerns in tropical environments, while a carabiner storage system provides practical utility. 
God Lies in the details
The ‘Safety’ aspect takes care of most issues to do with impact-based safety and related comfort. The BASF-developed innovative materials Reverse Infinergy has a high shock-absorption to thickness ratio. Cheek pads and other linings are antibacterial in nature, making it more hygiene friendly. The helmet has also been equipped with a carabiner hook for easy storage, while having quick-access, fault-proof chinstraps. 
A Cyberpunk Statement
Dune's distinctive "Mask" design language combines minimalist structure with futuristic elements like rear safety lighting strips, tinted hi-gloss chin cover, and removable air filters. 
Style on the Road with Safety
The Dune concept organizes innovations across three strategic pillars: Safety (utilizing BASF's patented reverse Infinergy foam for superior shock absorption), Smart (incorporating integrated communications systems and visibility enhancements), and Style (featuring a cyberpunk "Mask" aesthetic with customization options). 
Similar Project
