School of Design alumnus Bert Straus ’59 was inspired to create innovative helmets after witnessing a helmet-to-helmet collision during a televised sports game. This sparked a series of evolutions in headwear and protective sports equipment. He started by covering the helmet’s outer surface with a urethane foam shell, leading to the creation of the ProCap.
Now, a display of helmets designed by Straus is available for viewing at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse. Don Carr, professor of industrial and interaction design in the School of Design, curated the display to showcase the evolution of Straus’ work over the decades. Each helmet on display represents a different iteration of his design, driven by both aesthetics and industry needs.
Straus explains that his design process was constantly evolving to meet the demands of the market. From the original ProCap I, which he admits was not aesthetically pleasing, to the vented ProCap III and the latest design that focuses on protecting against rotational accelerations, his helmets have continued to evolve over the years.
The Warehouse window display will be up through mid-October, providing visitors with a glimpse into the work of this accomplished designer. Straus plans to visit Syracuse University in the fall to meet with students and discuss their design aspirations. He views this as a rare opportunity to reflect on the profession and its evolution over a span of seven decades.
Overall, Straus’ work reflects how innovation can drive progress in various fields such as sports equipment and headwear protection. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers who want to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Visitors who come to view Straus’ helmets at Syracuse University’s Nancy Cantor Warehouse will be able to see firsthand how his designs have evolved over time and how they continue to influence today’s sports industry. The exhibit is open from now until mid-October, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about this accomplished designer’s work.
Straus has come a long way since he started designing innovative helmets after witnessing that fateful collision during a televised sports game many years ago. His journey serves as proof that creativity can lead
