Nike Baton
Real-time pacemaker for runners
Concept design
Interaction design course · Individual work
2016
Concept design
Interaction design course · Individual work
2016
Nowadays, there are various kinds of wearable devices in the market, and they track users' activities to help them keep healthy. Some of these devices are specialized in running to be loved by many runners.
Hard to keep running speed with feedback by regular intervals
Those devices give feedback by every specific time interval or distance, rather than continuously. This intermittent feedback never helps runners maintain a constant speed. Runners usually tend to speed up to compensate their pace only when their devices notify they are slowing down. It causes the running pace to fluctuate, and eventually, runners to get exhausted.
The problem when a runner gets feedback every single kilometer.
The pacemaker giving feedback in real-time
Nike Baton was designed to solve these issues and keep running stable. It detects runners' pace and provides feedback with vibration whenever the pace is slower or faster than the desired speed user set. Inspired by relay racer's baton that stands for continuity, Nike Baton supports running consistently in the right way.
The solution by detecting the pace and giving feedback in real-time.
Wireless charging and auto-sync
An accompanying wireless charging dock displays the running information and history so that runners can always be motivated. While Nike Baton is on the charger, it is automatically synchronized with the Nike+ Run Club app or other health apps to update user's workout data.
Seamless body without parting
A cylinder-shaped body part wraps a battery cell, and other detail parts were assembled with it vertically to remove parting lines on the side surface.
Minimal interface prevents accidental manipulation
Since arms move violently while running, thumbs may accidentally operate controls. So Nike Baton has no switch on the side where there is a chance for fingers to touch it. Instead, a dial is located on the top to set running speed and intentionally made concave to reduced accessibility. Runners can focus on running once they set their target speed.
In addition to the pre-set pace mode, an auto mode recommends a personalized target speed by analyzing runners' workout patterns and history.
A heart rate sensor, on the backside, perfectly fits the runners' palm. The sensor detects runners' heart rate to provide more accurate workout information and calculate calories burnt.
Working prototype
Nike Baton was demonstrated by physical computing with an acceleration sensor, vibration motors, and Arduino programming. To package the core circuit, parts were 3D printed, polished, and painted.
All rights reserved
except for Nike+ Run Club app graphics
except for Nike+ Run Club app graphics
