Above: I identified a problem with popular exercise wearables. Calorie and step counters record body temperature, steps, and heart-rate data to estimate caloric output, but these estimates are based on generalities produced in a laboratory rather that the user's work or exercise in the gym. I think it is possible to collect more accurate, user-specific data, and present the findings in a way that informs the journey toward higher fitness.
Above: What information is valuable during exercise? What is work? Why are Calories important? How might I bridge the gap between valuable data and the workout experience? If a person lifts a 15kg weight 1 meter, the amount of energy exerted can be represented by the equation for mechanical work, and other insights can be retrieved by analyzing that stress on the body. When this information is recorded and associated with other data points like heart-rate and body temp, a more holistic analysis can be presented to the user.
Above: Perhaps, if we can accurately analyze a person's motion and posture to calculate stress loads, we can present that data and other insights to better inform the workout experiece, and guide that user on a journey toward better health and fitness.
Below: The illustrations and notes I created on the conceptual journey while exploring the technology, goals, and purpose of my idea.
Below: How might the concept shape itself in reality? An app? A physical device? Both? Almost every exercise environment is surrounded my mirrors for checking your form. Could information be projected onto your own reflection? How might this augmented reality experience work? Can a physical consumer product achieve this, and what would it look like?
