ISTS (Interactive Sports Training Solutions)
Interactive Sports Training Solutions (Client) created a martial arts or boxing-specific mannequin with digital sensors that could record the force, power, and quantity of strikes.Their objectives were to monitor the training process, enhance cognitive abilities, and increase hit accuracy.
The Brief
For people who don't have access to a gym or want to exercise at home, ISTS intended to bring their interactive sensors to the domestic market. Their first plan was to reshape the existing boxing mannequin to make it more attractive to home users. IBbD was engaged to do the study and develop the product.
Values
It has been decided that the product won't be developed for the high-end market in accordance with some of the company's core values. This was done for the purpose of encouraging everyone to exercise without significantly increasing their daily expenses. a cost-effective, convenient home exercise machine.
Discovery
After establishing the company’s values, We looked at the demographics of individuals who already use home gyms and those who truly need to exercise but are unable to do so for any reason. We investigated how much exercise is required for a healthy life and how often it should be done. In parallel, we investigated the typical exercise habits of various demographic groups to see why they might not be meeting the goals set by official entities like the NHS.
We were able to define our personas and their needs and values as a result of the preceding activity. Also it helped us to better understand what prevents people from working out at home. More crucially, our market analysis revealed that very few domestic gym patrons are serious martial artists or use a boxing mannequin. It indicated that if we wanted to compete successfully in that market, we would need to alter the boxing mannequin's design and incorporate new features. It would better meet our users’ needs and have greater appeal to the target market in this way.
Define
Some of the probable user pain points were identified via our user journey map (prepared based on our preliminary findings). There were issues that might be resolved in order to boost the product's appeal in our target market. For example, the length of time and complexity necessary for assembly and disassembly (especially for senior users), the need for storage space. The device should be accessible and simple to use, but it shouldn't be too distinguished or out of place in the house.
It was time for us to go to our sketch board with all the data collected. We started putting together options for the customer. Each design highlighted one or more components of exercise. However, the difficulty was to create a single device that can handle the majority, if not all, of the workout schedule recommended by the NHS and other health organisations while simultaneously keeping the cost as low as feasible.
After putting ideas on paper, it was necessary to mock up a few early prototypes to evaluate the concept and their viability before presenting them to the customer.
Develop and Deliver
The client had a favourite from the selection we provided, however they requested additional changes and the merging of some aspects. After returning to the drawing board and creating the modified version, It was time to build the work-alike prototype and conduct the final test. The challenge was to avoid over-engineering the product while ensuring that it is usable and can withstand the stress and tension of the activities.
The test results were excellent, and just a small amount of tweaking was needed. A set of technical drawings and the work-alike prototype were ready to be given to the client after the adjustment had been made and the last tests had been conducted.
Thoughts on Solution
From the beginning, we were certain of one thing: we wouldn't design another treadmill that idles in a dining room corner; Not another exercise bike which will be utilised as a clothes hanging. In order to ensure that the product we create does more than merely sell, we established this initiative. The aim was to get the user interested and enthused about the exercise unit.
Thanks to our client's support, we were able to accomplish our goals and keep our promises. The product is an appealing, multipurpose equipment that will suit in any home. It won't make someone's dining room like a scene from a sweaty gym. It attracts, it helps and it sells.
