Enhanced Training Sessions for Runners
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Conceptualizing a drone prototype and designing a smartphone application UI to address the high incidence of injury due to running – the world’s most ancient and accessible sport – with with poor form.
PROBLEM AREAS
- 50% of all runners experience some form of injury related to poor form
- Pace is counter-intuitive and hard to train-for by beginners
PROJECT GOALS
- Reduced incidence of injuries caused by incorrect running form
- Enhanced Training Sessions
DESIGN PROCESS
Literature Review
Survey, Qualitative Interviews
Persona Conception
Drone Functionality Conceptualization
Low Fidelity Prototyping and Testing
High Fidelity UI
ROOT CAUSES IDENTIFIED
- Lack of knowledge about proper running technique
- Lack of feedback
KEY RESEARCH INSIGHTS
- 47 out of 49 survey participants had never trained with a coach or running partner
- Apple Watch was most common smartwatch, followed by Garmin
PERSONA – DIGITAL FITNESS ENTHUSIAST
She trains at least 3 or more times per week, and participates in at least 1 running event (marathon, half marathon) per year. She always trains with a smart fitness tracking gadget (GPS enabled watch such as Garmin, Apple Watch etc.).
VISUAL DESIGN
FUNCTIONALITY
AI FORM FEEDBACK
This addresses the major concern of high incidence of running-related injuries
The drone will be programmed to record short video segments through a run from multiple angles
Through real-time AI video analysis on these video segments, the runner will be notified to pause their run and review their form, thereby preventing injuries.
The runner receives a “Form Score” at the end of the run as feedback.
PACE CONTROL
Pace is the time taken to complete a predetermined distance (usually 1km or 1 mile) It is one of the most important metrics for a runner.
The runner sets their pace goals in the smartphone/smartwatch app, and the drone flies in accordance with these pace goals and speeds up and slows down to guide the runner.
