We created the brainBAND – a wearable headband that uses mobile technology to measure the force of an impact and immediately relays this data to referees, coaches and medics on and off the pitch, via an app.

As well as measuring the g-force of an impact, the brainBAND features LED warning lights to warn team-mates – yellow, orange and red, meaning a player should be taken off immediately. All data is logged so that, over time, players have a complete picture of the forces their brain has been put under.

Developed alongside neuroscientists, engineers and international rugby star Izzy Folau, the brainBAND is a powerful new tool for shining a light on the dangers of concussion and reducing injury at every level of the game.

As a world-first technology, the brainBAND is an important contribution to Samsung’s strategy to innovate and connect people in new and exciting ways.

• Implementation

We created the brainBAND, and showcased its development via a series of documentaries. A widespread PR campaign was undertaken in partnership with Australian rugby star Izzy Folau, who promoted and distributed the finished product to selected rugby teams in Sydney. Other Australian sports stars like champion surfer Sally Fitzgibbons helped promote awareness of the project.

• Timeline

The brainBAND project began in July 2015 and the final product was launched in March 2016. Exposure for the project continues to grow, with ongoing international media coverage.

• Placement

A series of documentary episodes featured on Samsung’s social media channels, and a widespread PR campaign was undertaken in partnership with Australian sports stars, escalating exposure in news and social media nationally and globally.

• Scale

brainBAND capturing the attention of sporting fans and news media around the world. Please see results for the scale.

Human impact

In a market like Australia, in which toughness is celebrated and admitting injuries is not a hot topic, we managed to spark a conversation around this issue and observed a strong change in how differently people were talking about concussions in sport after our campaign.

• Reach

The brainBAND project gained attention both nationally and internationally.

• PR reach of 119,387,165 people in 20 countries

• Impressions: Over 7 million

• Positive sentiment approaching 100%

• Value of coverage: Over $10 million (as of March 31)

• Combined content views 5.1 million.

• Combined online reach of videos was 9.8 million.

• Sales

The brainBAND is not yet on sale to the public.

• Achievement

Since launching brainBAND, there has been interest from sports associations and icons including Rugby legend Mario Fenech, to trial the finished product and assist with continued promotion and development. The reaction to the campaign has convinced Samsung to fast-track the public launch.