Konceptutveckling av ett belastningsgränssnitt - En användarcentrerad produktutvecklingsprocess för en optimerad squat

Abstract

This report documents the development of a load interface for belt-squat machines, conducted on behalf of a fitness equipment company. The purpose of the project was to investigate and develop a concept that maximizes comfort and usability for a broad target group for usage in commercial gym environments. Through a user-centered design process, including market analyses and user testing of existing products, the areas for pain at pressure points, instability, and a lack of user-friendliness were identified as objects for development.

The work resulted in three conceptual solutions that were evaluated against a requirement specification, where the V-band concept was selected as the final design proposal. The result is a detailed-designed belt-squat belt that implements a user-friendly interface design. Through a combination of a stable backplate and a unique, foldable geometry, the pressure distribution over the hips and lower back is optimized without restricting the user's range of motion. To lower the barrier to use, the belt features a numbered adjustment system for specific settings and a permanent anchoring to the machine, which minimizes the risk of misuse and misplaced equipment.

The concept has been dimensioned based on anthropometric data to include users within the 5th to 95th percentiles of the Swedish population. The conclusion of the project is that by prioritizing user comfort, mechanical simplicity, and an intuitive visual interface, the user experience of a belt-squat belt can be significantly improved, thereby making the execution of the exercise more accessible and safe for a universal target group.