Product Design & Research
Role
Project Lead
Tools
Miro, Adobe illustrator, Solidworks, Blender, InDesign
Time
2023 - 2024
Overview
Vivera is unique piece of gym equipment that helps prevent injuries while promoting correct form and technique while exercising.
The Problem
I began this project through researching BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) and it's presence within the fitness community. Gym members who suffer from symptoms of BDD experience an increase in anxiety with regards to their training and progress. This leads to excess training while neglecting appropriate form and technique which results in injury. These injuries prevent training and progress which causes further mental stress. It is a cycle of injury, stress, and anxiety that is difficult to escape from.
Gym members need a safer, more effective way to train to improve their physical health as well as their mental health.
What is BDD?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition where an individual spends an excessive amount of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. It is common for many adolescents to experience issues regarding self image. While it is a natural phase for any young person to go through, these issues can persist through to later stages of adulthood.
BDD is especially present within the gym community. People within the gym can suffer from only one or two symptoms to a mild extent while others may suffer from several symptoms at a more severe extent. Many people suffer in silence, leading to issues involving both mental and physical health.
As someone who has a passion for health and wellbeing, I want to design a solution that will benefit those who suffer from symptoms of BDD and help lessen the issues which come along with this disorder.
Secondary Research
A survey consisting of 27,000 participants from around the world asked people how satisfied they were with their body, only 12% said they were completely satisfied
- GFK, 2015
It has been concluded that there is a rising surge of body dysmorphia amongst adolescents.
- Journal of family medicine & primary care 2020
Usage of social media may be linked to an increased rate of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms among users, and may pose harm to user's body perception
- Maggi Jo Erikson, Department Psychology, California State University, 2020
It is estimated that 2% of the population have diagnosed BDD.
- Body Dysmorphic Diorder Foundation
Market Research - Trends
Fitness Clubs & Gyms: The fitness industry has experienced a massive growth over recent years which has resulted in many people joining local gyms, sports clubs, and partaking in their own individual physical activities. The global fitness industry has seen a 31% growth from the year 2009 – 2019. A report on the European health and fitness market was carried out by Deloitte in 2019. This report discovered a 4.6% increase on fitness clubs across Europe in 2019 compared to 2018.
This trend has positive benefits to people who have joined it. Nearly all medical professionals would sign off on the suggestion that exercise is good for you. Physical activity has been proven to have many benefits such as reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduce risk of some cancer, improve sleep, and strengthen muscles. However, I believe this trend has also put additional pressure on people to partake in some sort of exercise and to try look a certain way.
Health & Wellbeing: It is apparent that in today’s world there is much more emphasis put on eating healthy food and looking after one’s health compared to years before. One prime example of this is the steady decline of smokers. A study in the United States found that 20.9% of US adult citizens were smokers in 2005. That severely decreased to 11.5% in 2021.
Similarly, to the first trend mentioned, I believe this trend has set higher standards for the average person to conform to, causing additional stress on how to look after their body, feeding symptoms of BDD.
Market Research - Drivers
Social Media: Social media has revolutionized the way fitness, exercise, and wellbeing is viewed and shared. Various platforms have produced fitness influencers who spread their knowledge of the subject to the masses, inspiring people to start their fitness journey. Social media has allowed people to discover new routines, exercises, tips, and meals, quick and easily.
However, social media can be seen to have a profound effect on the mental health of young adults and children. A study was carried out and published in the Pakistan Biomedical Journal in 2022. The results found that “body dysmorphia & eating disorders were related to high levels of social media addiction”. Unrealistic beauty and physique standards can be seen on all forms of social media platforms with those who have physical attributes that match these standards receiving the most attention and likes. As a result, many people perceive themselves and their body in a negative light as they do not meet these unrealistic standards.
Millennials & Gen Z Millennials and Gen Z have been a driving force for the two trends mentioned and it can be seen today that these two groups prioritize their physical health and wellbeing. The desire to maintain an active and balanced lifestyle has fueled the demand for unique fitness offerings that align with their values. Millennials and Gen Z seek for alternative methods that transcend traditional gym settings and exercises.
Their influence on the fitness industry has forced businesses within this industry to adapt and find new ways to deliver their fitness solutions that meet the needs of Millennials and Gen Z.
User Investigation
Interviews
I carried out 1 to 1 interviews to gather primary research. This was a crucial step in understanding the user I am designing for. I carried out three interviews in total with both gym and non-gym members in order to explore similarities and differences in their answers.
I developed a general script for my interviews that I followed to help me keep structure to the interview and stay on topic. This structure also made it easier during the data analysis phase to compare answers from my participants.
Survey
BDD is a personal issue that many people may not feel comfortable talking about. For this reason I created a survey in order to collect quantitative data. I believed many people would feel more comfortable answering questions anonymously. I received a total of 108 responses, which gave me a very good sample group to gather insights from.
In total I received 106 responses to my online survey, 77% of my participants were between the ages of 18-24. As this is my target age range, I wanted this group to provide the majority of the answers for my primary research.
Data Analysis
I compiled all my primary and secondary research onto a large board. This research board was a great tool for analysing the data collected. It allowed me to easily compare data to find similarities and differences.
I printed off useful photos that I thought would help generate ideas and insights. I also used pages from my lab book for this board. Using sticky notes I could add any additional thoughts/opinions about the information.
Key Findings
I discovered that 90% of people between the ages of 16-24 who participated in my survey said they had experienced symptoms at some stage in their life with 39% of these people experiencing symptoms often and 21% experiencing symptoms everyday. These figures are far greater than the proposed 2% population.
This leads me to believe that BDD is far more prevalent in todays society than people think. BDD is not a black and white condition, where people either have it or they don't. It varies from person to person, with some people experiencing severe symptoms while others may experience minor symptoms.
90% of people between the ages of 16-24 who participated in my survey said they had experienced symptoms at some stage
56% of gym members say their symptoms of BDD did not change or got worse after joining the gym
60% gym members between the ages of 16-24 experience symptoms of BDD often or everyday
Key User Insights
Increased Risk of Injury
Gym Members who experience symptoms of BDD have a higher risk of injury. This is due to training while disregarding important aspects such as technique and weight being used.
Increased Anxiety
People who experience symptoms of BDD have an increased level of anxiety which affects their day to day lives. This results in low self esteem and lower satisfaction with life
3
Over-Exercising
Over-exercising was a prevalent theme amongst three of my participants. Overexercising poses a threat of fatigue, injury, and persistent muscles soreness as rest and recovery are neglected.
User Persona
Design Concept
What Does it Do?
My design concept is a new cable attachment that can be used for cable machines within in public and private gyms. These machines are extremely common and can be found in nearly any public gym. They are primarily used for pulling exercises.
My product allows the user to adjust the position of the handles to whatever distance they desire, allowing them to comfortably perform their exercises to their maximum potential. This also means the one attachment can be used on multiple cable machines to perform various exercises.
What Makes My Design Unique?
A lot of gyms are supplied with cable attachments at a fixed width that offer only one form of movement. As not everyone has the same body shape/size it is rare that a cable attachment is suitable for the majority of users. This means the user is forced to position their body relative to the attachment which can cause the user to lift with improper technique. Over time this can cause injury to joints and muscles.
My product will allow gym members to adjust the attachment relative to their body and training preferences. This product also has the ability to perform various exercises on multiple cable machines, eliminating the need to purchase numerous attachments.
Ideation / Design Evolution
Card Prototype
I used card prototyping throughout my design process. This allowed me to effectively visualise the scale and aesthetics of the product. Due to the large size of my product, prototyping was very important in determining the measurements of my final design.
I created multiple sketch prototypes using card and plastic, each one a more refined version of the previous. learned valuable insights into how the product will look and function from each of my prototypes.
Once I was satisfied with the scale and measurements of my design I made a CAD model before beginning my final physical prototype
Test
Test: In order to make the handle position adjustable I included spring loaded pins to lock the handles in position. To determine the spacing between these intervals I carried out ergonomic testing using my third prototype.
To test the ergonomics of the product I set up a scene which mimics a cable machine exercise. I tested each position, acting out the scenario of its use. I recorded my thoughts and continued to test this on other participants of varying heights and arm length.
Using this information was able to determine an appropriate maximum and minimum handle position as well as the distance between each position.
Physical Prototype
After creating several card prototypes I began development of my final prototype. Using the data collected from my previous prototypes I could determine the optimal measurements for my product.
I first created a CAD model of my product using Solidworks before taking my design to the workshop and developing a physical prototype. I created my physical prototype using materials such as aluminium, perspex and ABS.
CAD Model
Key Features
Promotional Video
Conclusion
What went well?
Comprehensive research was carried out, resulting in a deep understanding of the problem.
Extensive ideation carried out resulting in a product that effectively tackles the issue.
Development of several prototypes resulted in an ergonomically designed product that offers a user focused experience.
What could be improved?
I believe further research within gyms relating to equipment and how users interact with them should of been carried out.
Lesson: In future I will carry out more contextual research
Certain parts of the physical final prototype were fragile.
Lesson: - Conduct better research into stronger materials in future
Lack of resources and time resulted in a prototype that was not fully functional.
Lesson: Better time management will result in a superior prototype.