TREAD
Redefining the Treadmill Experience through Smart Interaction
2019
INTRODUCTION
TREAD X — Revolutionizing Home Fitness with Seamless Smart Connectivity
reimagines the traditional treadmill, blending elegant design with intelligent performance. At its core lies a simple yet powerful promise: effortless synchronization between fitness and technology.
CLIENT
SELF INITIATED PROJECT FOR LEARNING MODULE AT NID AHMEDABAD
DURATION
3 WEEKS
PROJECT TYPE
User Research, Product Design, UX
ROLE
User Researcher/ UX / PRODUCT Designer
TOOLS
Design Thinking Process
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Prototype
Test
The Challenge
A comparative study of existing treadmills revealed two key issues: poor aesthetics and unnecessarily complex user interfaces. Many models require logging in before use, which frustrates users who simply want to start their workout. Additionally, treadmill exercise was found to be monotonous, leading to reduced motivation over time.
The Solution
To address this, we explored ways to integrate entertainment into the workout experience. Our research involved observing user interactions, reviewing product features, and analysing motivation techniques. Findings showed that listening to high-intensity music significantly boosts user motivation and performance. We also discovered that the presence or guidance of others—whether in person or virtually—can further encourage users.
Research Approach
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Comparative Analysis: Studied multiple treadmill models to identify usability, interface, and aesthetic gaps.
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User Observation: Watched how different users approached and interacted with treadmills in gyms.
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Motivation Study: Reviewed literature and tested the effects of high-intensity music and guided interaction on workout performance
Empathize
I conducted a one-on-one interview to understand the participant’s pain points, needs, and expectations. Using open-ended questions, I encouraged them to share their real experiences and workflows.These findings directly informed the prioritization of design improvements and ensured that solutions were grounded in real user behavior.
Key Insights
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Overcomplicated Onboarding – Logging in before starting creates friction for casual users.
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Monotony Kills Motivation – Users lose interest after repetitive sessions without variety or stimulation.
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Entertainment Boosts Performance – High-intensity music keeps energy levels up and helps users push further.
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Social Presence Matters – Virtual or physical guidance motivates users to maintain pace and complete sessions.
Existing Applications – Competitive Analysis
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Overcomplicated Onboarding – Logging in before starting creates friction for casual users.
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Monotony Kills Motivation – Users lose interest after repetitive sessions without variety or stimulation.
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Entertainment Boosts Performance – High-intensity music keeps energy levels up and helps users push further.
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Social Presence Matters – Virtual or physical guidance motivates users to maintain pace and complete sessions.
Information Architecture
This process model visualizes the complete user journey within the Tread X application, from onboarding to daily interaction. It maps out each stage — starting with account creation or login, connecting via Facebook/Google, agreeing to terms, setting goals, and accessing the homepage. The model also covers in-app features such as workout tracking, route mapping, video access, profile customization, social connections, chat, and notifications.
Low Fidelity Prototype
This mockup set serves as a foundational visual guide to communicate the core structure and navigation flow before advancing to high-fidelity design stages.
Final Design Features
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One-Tap Start: No login required; the treadmill syncs instantly to the user’s mobile device.
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Music Integration: Auto-play high-intensity playlists based on workout type.
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Visual Guidance: On-screen pacing prompts and performance feedback.
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Motivation Mode: Virtual trainer overlay providing real-time encouragement.
Reflection & Next Steps
Working on TREAD X reinforced the importance of removing friction from user onboarding and designing for both function and emotion. If given more time, I would conduct extended field testing to measure long-term motivation impact and explore AI-driven personalization for workouts.