Exxentric Strength Row : Investigating the Usefulness of an Add-on Product for Flywheel-based Strength Training

Sammanfattning: Flywheel resistance training have in recent years become increasingly popular among athletes and coaches globally due to the advantages it provides over traditional strength training with weights. Exxentric, a company developing flywheel-based equipment for strength training and was looking to further increase the number of exercises that could be performed with their devices. Primarily, seated strength row exercises had been identified as a gap and there was a desire to develop an add-on product to extend their kBox device platform. To see if Exxentric could strengthen their business with an add-on for seated strength row, the thesis aimed to investigate the usefulness of such an add-on product. This was done through a usercentered design approach constructing a prototype and by developing a set of product design guidelines to be implemented on the prototype concept. The research for the user-centered design included market analyses, site observations and eight semi-structured interviews. Research data was analysed for three rounds to gain insights, ultimately generating five main themes to consider and evaluate against during the construction process. The main themes were adjustability, stability, durability, manageability and performance. With the themes in mind, the construction process was carried out for the add-on with focus on designing a seat, foot support, height setting, beam, leg and an interface towards the kBox. The final concept for the add-on measured 2218 mm long and 593 mm high when assembled. In addition to providing better possibilities for seated strength rows than any existing device within the product line, it also allowed for an additional four exercises to be performed with it. During construction, several trade-offs had to be made to adapt towards the kBox, affecting the overall functionality and construction of the product. It should be considered if the add-on could provide value and fulfil user needs to a higher degree if it is developed for Exxentric’s device for horizontal exercises rather than its machine for vertical exercises. Furthermore, considering the high standards of the chosen user segment, performance sports athletes, it could also be considered to develop a stand-alone device for seated strength rows, thus decreasing the number of trade-offs needed to be made when adapting to an existing device. To properly answer if Exxentric can strengthen their business with an add-on for seated strength row, it is recommended that Exxentric develop a beta-prototype which can be used to further evaluate the usefulness of an add-on for seated strength row. Once the usefulness of the add-on to the kBox have been established, its place in the product line should be considered with regard to the different user segments as well as existing- and future devices.