Communication between coach and athlete is essential for optimising success in sports. In swimming, communication is severely restricted by the physical properties of water and the acoustical characteristics of the swimming hall. NOA is a unidirectional communications system for competitive swimming. A microphone unit allows the coach to communicate with various swimmers, sending information to a headset worn by the athlete. The headset's receiver module transmits acoustic signals via structure-borne sound onto the swimmer's skull. The device is ergonomically attached to the body using a bandage system. Key criteria in product innovation were aspects of hydrodynamics and allowing intuitive operation of the system. Moreover, achieving an iconographic and bionic appearance also played a crucial role in designing NOA.