The aims of this project were to identify a problem space, really get to know it, and to use insights from the research process to generate interesting ways of addressing the issue. My chosen issue was the lack of involvement and engagement in sports and exercise from female university students.
My research strategy included a wide amount of secondary research along with conducting a primary research study. This involved a focus group of 6 female university students who were asked what motivates them to engage in sport and exercise and what is a barrier to them. The key insight drawn from this research was that the biggest barrier to engagement was the lack of motivation, therefore motivation was the key factor in engaging these students.
I have been developing a focused way for the user to measure their own exercise and sporting progress in order to motivate more people to exercise and play sports. The response is a series of flexible, reusable sticky pads that attach to the user’s body in specific areas (i.e. on the leg for muscle size increase, back for posture, and wrist for tracking cardio). These pads then track and measure the user’s data and translate it into an app for the user to read. The data then creates a profile on the app for the user and gives them tips and tricks on how they could improve in the area they are working on. The user can also pre-set their own goals on the app before they exercise or play sports and if they have achieved their pre-set goals while they are wearing the pads, the pads would then change colour to signify to the user they have met their target. For the ‘back pad’ which cannot be seen by the using instead of changing colour, the pad would vibrate.
The sticky pads and the app act as a personal trainer for people who want help with the area they are working on but don’t want an actual personal trainer. It offers beginners of exercise and of sports a method of motivation through educating and measuring their progress. It also removes the pressure from beginners who may not have much knowledge - which creates a barrier for them.
