TracxBand

Wearable that ensures the right tension at all times

Course

User Centered Design

Tools

Siemens NX Figma Protopie

Project Type

Two-person academic project

Date

october 2023 - june 2024

The project focused on enhancing the usability of a wearable for OnTracx, a start-up dedicated to preventing running injuries.

Optimized for Accuracy: Improved stress measurement precision while ensuring comfort and ease of use.
Secure Fastening & Pressure Measurement: Developed a reliable attachment mechanism and integrated pressure sensors for effective data collection.
User Testing & Refinement: Applied the Triple Diamond framework (Discovery, Definition, Develop & Deliver) to iterate based on feedback.
Team Contributions: While both team members contributed to design and testing, my groupmate focused on the wearable’s design, while I led the development and execution of user tests.

Identifying Core Challenges: Focused on understanding the main issues, with sensor accuracy identified as the primary risk for the project’s success.
User Fit & Comfort: Recognized the need for the wearable to be adjustable to different users, ensuring a proper fit without sacrificing comfort.

Refining Insights into Design Requirements: Transformed the insights from the Discovery phase into clear design goals.
Fastening System Design: Prioritized creating a secure fastening system to hold the sensor in place while ensuring blood circulation.
Data Visualization: Developed a method to visualize pressure measurements, allowing users to easily determine when the correct tension was achieved.

The development phase followed an iterative process, divided into three stages, each focusing on specific aspects to refine the wearable design.

Develop 1 – Human Body:
Focus: Physical ergonomics and comfort.
- Prototypes tested for fit, shape, and materials.
- Adjustments made based on anthropometric analysis and user feedback.
- Ensured optimal wearability and stability.
Develop 2 – Human Mind:
Focus: Usability and cognitive experience.
- Refined tensioning system for reliability and ease of use.
- Conducted usability tests to improve interaction, functionality, and efficiency.
- Enhanced user experience for physiotherapists.
Develop 3 – Human Senses:
Focus: Sensory feedback and user interaction.
- Refined haptic, visual, and auditory feedback.
- Optimized app for clear and intuitive data visualization.
- Final prototypes tested under real-world conditions to validate design.

Each stage built upon the previous, ensuring a well-rounded, user-centered wearable design.

The outcome is an innovative wearable designed for optimal tension at all times.

Pressure Measurement System:
- Ensures precise setting of the correct tension.
- Guarantees consistent performance without the need for constant adjustments.
Convenient Hook Mechanism:
- Allows easy on/off without repeated adjustments.
- Once the ideal tension is set, no further adjustments are needed.

This results in a seamless, user-friendly experience, offering both comfort and ease of use.