EMBR: Fire Apron is a fire resistant outdoor cooking apron designed to support safer and more sustainable experiences around open flame. Made from a durable wool hemp blend, the apron is naturally fire resistant and can be used as a protective barrier to help smother small cooking fires. The material choice reflects a commitment to sustainability, longevity, and responsible production while maintaining performance in rugged outdoor environments. EMBR was created to encourage people to cook, gather, and spend more time outdoors with confidence, blending safety, function, and environmental responsibility into a single essential tool.

        This project was recognized with the Sarah S. Murphy Prize and achieved the highest profit at the IPD class tradeshow. These outcomes validated both the design and business strategy behind EMBR, demonstrating strong market interest and the product’s ability to resonate with consumers. The success of the tradeshow launch reinforced the viability of EMBR as a scalable product that effectively bridges safety, sustainability, and thoughtful design.

        The development of EMBR: Fire Apron began with extensive consumer research focused on understanding how people engage with cooking and outdoor spaces. We examined the ethos of outdoor cooking culture to identify unmet needs, safety concerns, and emotional motivations tied to gathering and food preparation. Through interviews and observational research, we learned that users value products that feel intuitive, trustworthy, and durable, especially when cooking over open flame.

        From this research, we identified grilling and outdoor cooking as our niche. Once this focus was established, we evaluated a wide range of possible product opportunities within that space. During ideation and iteration, a recurring concern surfaced around fire safety. Both primary interviews and secondary research revealed that grilling and cooking are leading contributors to residential fires, highlighting a clear gap in protective tools that are both effective and approachable.

        With the problem defined, we shifted into material research with sustainability as a core requirement. We explored textiles that could withstand high heat while remaining environmentally responsible. Through testing multiple fabric swatches for fire resistance, durability, and hand feel, we selected a wool hemp blend. This material offered natural fire resistant properties, strength, and a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.

        Following material selection, we moved into silhouette and form development. Our goal was not only to create a functional safety tool, but also an apron that felt refined and desirable. We explored numerous silhouettes through sketching and prototyping, balancing coverage, mobility, and aesthetics. A key functional decision was the incorporation of snaps, allowing the apron to be removed or deployed quickly in the event of an emergency. Multiple iterations were produced to refine proportions, fit, and usability.

        Throughout the design process, we simultaneously navigated supply chain considerations, market research, and the development of a business plan outlining how EMBR could be responsibly produced and launched. These constraints informed design decisions and ensured the product was viable beyond the prototype stage.

        Once the design was finalized, we transitioned into fabrication. This phase included drafting the pattern, refining construction details, and sewing the final prototype. The result is a thoughtfully designed apron that balances safety, sustainability, and visual appeal. EMBR: Fire Apron functions as both a beautiful outdoor cooking essential and a first line of defense in the event of a fire, reinforcing our goal of empowering people to cook and gather outdoors with confidence.