Konceptutveckling av träningshjälpmedel för elitsimmare

This abstract describes a subproject which main target is to develop a training device for elite swimmers. The work is a masters thesis at the Master programme in Industrial Design Engineering at Luleå University, carried out from fall 2010 to spring 2011. The sub-project is part of a larger project, named Trainerkoll, and is one part of three sub-projects, marketing, engineering/electronics development, and concept development.Our part of the project; concept development, will be the preparatory work and base for the other two sub-project. "Trainerkoll" was started by the project owner and innovator Ola Wallberg, with the aim of developing a new product which was supposed to eventually be the start of a new company.The target group range from early youth elite swimmers to more active in the so- called Masters Series. It involves a wide range of users, despite the focus on elite swimmers.The idea that formed the basis for this development was to improve the possibility to measure time, heart rate, lactate and also making it possible to communicate with the swimmer during a swim session. At the current situation focus is at counting the arms frequency, number of lengths, or keep track of the times, when the focus really should be on the technique of swimming. In addition to this products included in the main project, a handheld device for communication, and a Web service for active analysis of the collected data are included.Our project started with the analytical phase in which the information was collected by analyze the current situation by benchmarking competing products, existing surrounding technologies and related products. Interviews were made with swimming coaches during a visit at Eriksdalsbadet in Stockholm, and we also visited the physiological test center Winternet in Boden.This phase resulted in ideas regarding the needs and preferences, and was an important basis for further development. Among other things, we found a clearly demand to improve the timing system during training, and also a need for better heart rate measuring tools. To get a more continuous updating of time and heart rate would also be desirable, since this information would be an important component to improve the techniques behind swimming.To focus the development towards the user during the creative process we created a persona, whom is a fictional character based mainly on the target group's views. We also created a visual mood board for inspiration according to the intended feeling the products was suppose to express.Five concepts were developed that finally led to a concept of three products to be worn by the swimmer. These three concepts where designed to work together with the basic concept; the handheld computer with a microphone, and a web service. The concept of these three products consists of an earpiece, a bracelet and a ankle strap.With the help of this product, the swim coach will be able to get information about swim's heart rate, arm/leg frequency, time, etc. .. The coach will also be able to communicate with any of the swimmers in the training group, by the product attach in swimmer’s ear.The result is one armband and one ankle band made of silicone rubber to ensure a smooth and seamless fit that works well in the environment of water. The band does not interfere with the feeling of swimming because of its location and size. The accelerometer handles functions such as lap time, reaction time, and frequency. On the wrist strap only the essential information at the moment are shown to the swimmer on the screen while other information is sent to the coach by using Bluetooth technology.An easy way to use heart rate based training is made possible through simplified feedback in the form of a indicator with light. The ankles band is identical to the wristband with the exception of the display and indicator.The earpiece makes it possible to measure the heart rate through your earlobe while getting feedback from the coach through the hearing. The earpiece is designed with a minimized size and a function that eases that it stays in the ear. The communication between coach and swimmer is possible by Bluetooth technology.Validerat; 20110610 (anonymous