Aventiv Group: Wrist Worn Case Monitoring Device
Our Solution
How we helped create a case monitoring wearable that maintains wearer dignity
The Result
A product that enabled NEXA to enter the correctional facilities support industry.
The Story
Helping case monitoring while maintaining dignity.
NEXA is an emerging force in enterprise mobility, combining telecom services with custom Android hardware. As an Android Enterprise Gold Partner, NEXA supports organizations that rely on long lifecycle device availability, predictable hardware supply, and tailored engineering for specialized environments. Their hardware catalogue and integration ecosystem make them a strong partner for regulated, security sensitive applications.
Aventiv is a technology group serving the United States correctional system through communication platforms, education services, and monitoring solutions. Their solutions aim to balance public safety with rehabilitation, helping undertrials and parolees re enter society while maintaining compliance with court ordered conditions. They continue to explore new technologies that can make monitoring more humane, more discreet, and less stigmatizing.
Case monitoring devices allow individuals to move through society while remaining accountable to authorities. Traditionally these devices are worn on the ankle. Over time, ankle monitors have become a visible symbol of criminality in the public imagination. Since the seriousness of the offense is not obvious to onlookers, wearers often face social rejection, discrimination in the workplace, and difficulty reintegrating into community life. In addition to the stigma, ankle worn monitors have well documented issues related to prolonged skin contact. Users frequently report rashes, irritation, moisture buildup, and in some cases infections that require medical treatment. These discomforts create friction in compliance and undermine the rehabilitative goals of supervised release programs.
Aventiv sought a less stigmatizing, more humane approach. NEXA proposed leveraging an existing smartwatch platform from their inventory. Bang Design was tasked with transforming it into a secure, tamper resistant, wrist worn monitoring device that could blend into everyday environments while meeting correctional grade constraints.
Replacing Stigmatizing Ankle Monitors With a Secure Wrist-Worn Alternative
1. Zero Removal by the Wearer
The device needed a locking mechanism that made removal impossible without authorized tools and procedures.
2. Strap Material Defined by Aventiv’s Inventory
The strap had to be compatible with materials already used in Aventiv’s supply chain. The design could not depend on new materials or vendors.
3. Reusable Strap Without Cutting
During official removal the strap needed to remain intact, allowing reuse and lowering operational costs.
4. Continuous Charging Without Device Removal
The user would have to charge the device while still wearing it. Charging ports and cable interfaces had to be accessible but tamper resistant.
5. Compact Unisex Form
The product needed to work equally well for men and women across a wide range of body sizes. The form could not look bulky or punitive.
6. Integrated Camera for Video Calls
The wearable needed a camera for supervised communication while maintaining overall compactness.
A Wrist Worn Architecture Built on NEXA’s Smartwatch Platform
We collaborated with NEXA’s product managers to select a suitable smartwatch core from their inventory. Using this as the electronic foundation reduced development risk and accelerated integration. The transformation required a full redesign of the external architecture to meet correctional monitoring requirements without sacrificing the visual familiarity of a consumer wearable.
A Compact, Sporty Two Tone Industrial Design
We developed a clean, unisex aesthetic using a light grey bezel paired with a black body. This combination softened the perceived size, made the device appear more like an everyday fitness tracker, and avoided the institutional look common to legacy monitoring systems. The bezel was raised above the touch panel to protect the glass from drops, edge impacts, and unintentional scrapes.
Secure Charging and Control Layout
We integrated a pogo pin charging interface along one side of the device. This allowed continuous charging while worn, using a dedicated cable included in the kit. Physical keys were positioned on the opposite side for optimal ergonomics without compromising tamper resistance.
Tamper Resistant Wrist Strap System
The strap was engineered using Aventiv approved materials and designed to lock permanently in regular use. Removal required a controlled process and specific tools which ensured compliance. The strap did not need to be cut which preserved reusability and reduced operational costs. The geometry prevented access to anchor points and reduced the possibility of forced removal.
Integrating a Camera Within a Compact Envelope
The device incorporated a small camera required for supervised check ins and remote communication. We balanced internal spatial constraints with exterior proportions to maintain a clean silhouette without bulk.
THE RESULT
A Humane, Compliant Monitoring Device Designed for Reintegration
The final design provided Aventiv with a humane, modern alternative to traditional ankle monitors.
The solution:
- Removed the stigma associated with ankle worn devices by shifting to a discreet wrist worn form
- Eliminated common dermatological issues caused by ankle strap moisture and friction
- Implemented a secure, reusable strap architecture that prevented unauthorized removal
- Enabled continuous charging through pogo pin connectors without removing the device
- Delivered a compact, unisex aesthetic aligned with consumer wearable design
- Incorporated a protected touch panel and integrated camera for supervised communication
Our work enabled NEXA to make a strong proposal to Aventiv and present a monitoring solution that aligned with modern rehabilitation principles. The design balanced compliance, security, and dignity, offering a wearable that supports reintegration rather than hindering it.