MERIT | 2023 | RMIT University | Industrial Design Honors Project
// Concept
MERIT is an interchangeable wearable tracker with a built-in sensor to track and monitor a wide range of health information.
The wearable tracker is designed to be worn as much as possible to attain more accurate information regarding the user’s performance on and off exercise. The purpose of this Honors research is to discuss the concept of aging and develop a modern solution which influences increased physical activity to attain healthy aging.
// Precedent
As aging is a natural part of life, the purpose of attaining healthy aging is to minimize suffering, grief, mourn, and dispiritedness. This can be done by optimizing opportunities to maintain and improve physical and mental health, independence, and quality of life throughout the life course (Pan American Health Organization, n.d).
Mikkelsen et al (2017) state the physical effects of exercise include reduction of blood pressure, enhanced cardiovascular fitness, weight loss, and prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s.
The existence of wearable devices is notoriously known for their concern for their wearer’s health and improving their health. The underlying solution of this project is to develop a fitness tracker that improves the user's physical health which then well improve their psychological health as well.
// Inspiration
The proposed product will be a multi-sensor fitness tracker that monitors and tracks performance during physical activity and engages the user to exercise more through gamification and social competitiveness.
The final product will also include garments with pockets in specific areas of the body to embed these trackers to optimize tracking and maximize comfort.
The final prototype will also include an app concept that will help to create a more realistic finished product, as the final physical prototype lacks the functionality aspect of it (no electrical components & programming in place).
// Final Product
The design aesthetics of the product focuses on the absolute essentials, stripping away any unnecessary elements seen in existing commercial fitness wearables, and other visual clutter. It embraces simplicity, functionality, and a reductionist aesthetic that embraces sleek, clean, and high efficiency.
// Details
The sensor comes in two colors, black and white, and made from high quality polished stainless steel and reinforced polymer to withstand rust, high temperature, high impact, added with DLC coated metals.
The main sensor tracks information such as heart rate (ECG), blood oxygen (Oximeter), skin temperature (GSR), accelerometer.
MERIT is designed in Melbourne, Australia.
// Gear Concept Ideation
For people who wants to remove the invasive feeling from wrist-based tracking, MERIT offers several gears, all fitted to improve exercise experience. The MERIT attire is a compression clothing all fitted with a pocket that allows the main sensor to be placed inside.
Curtis (2020) mentions compression wear is largely used by athletes who participate in sports, from cycling, running, and weight training to rugby, netball, triathlons, and swimming
// App Information Architecture & App
Users could also download the MERIT App in their phones, available in IOS or android to gain information regarding tracking and seeing other friends and family’s activity or session.
