This is a design research project. My goal is to focus on the needs of long distance runners and the unique criteria that are taken into consideration when designing an effective bra for the sport.
It was a team work. I did the User Research and Prototyping portions with my teammates. And I independently accomplished the Market review, Cam solution, Evaluating system, and ALL of the visual work for presentation.
Market Review
There are not specific products for evaluating a running bra. I found some products which more or less relate to my project. I divided them into four groups as rows. To make a comparison, I defined them with seven characteristics shown in columns.
Findings From Market
I made a criteria for evaluating the products, graded it from 1-5. From the analysis I found the biggest problem: cannot simulate running in a low cost.
Literature Review
From the review, I got some ideas of observation.
User Research
I did observations and interviews with my team member in a gym. It took two days.
I analyzed the movement by a program. As the result, I got the data of running -- the average height difference, vertical travel, and turning.
Prototyping
We tried different way to simulate the key movement of a running torso: up and down, and turning.
The Key Factor Of The Solution -- A Cam
We thought that to realize the movements, it would have a complex inside mechanism. I tried to simplify, and finally designed a cam, a highly viable solution.
Action 1: Height Difference OF Running
To realize a 4.5 inches height difference, the dimension of the cam should work with a formula: X-Y=4.5
Action 2: Vertical Travel With Accurate Cycle Time
The timing of the vertical movement is affected by the shape of the cam's edge.
Action 3: Turning With Accurate Cycle Time
This area realizes the turning movements.
Running Bra Simulating System
The image show the whole system and their relative positions. In the central area, it's the Running Simulator.
Data Collecting Solution
There are some options, the most important equipments are Front and Side Camera. The analyzing program can track the movements from videos. And there could be also a thermal camera and acceleration sensor.
Simulating Process
The overall time of an entire test is around 45 minutes.
How It Helps For Designers
There are three types of data getting from tests: travel, acceleration, and temperature. I designed an evaluating system which can translate the data in to designers' language, such as "Big stress in Cup area".
Advantage 1: High Viability Of The Simulator
Advantage 2: Flexible Options Of The Data Collector
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Design Research - A Sports Bra Simulator
This is a design research project. My goal is to focus on the needs of long distance runners and the unique criteria that are taken into consideration when designing an effective bra for the sport.
It was a team work. I did the User Research and Prototyping phases with my teammates. And I independently made the Market review, Cam solution, Evaluating system, and ALL of the visual work for presentation.
