Safety solution for the powerlifting squat Improving the safety for lifters and spotters in competition
Magnus Wikström
Industrial Design Engineering, master's level (60 credits) 2020
Luleå University of Technology Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences SAFETY SOLUTION FOR THE POWERLIFTING SQUAT
Improving the safety for lifters and spotters in competition
Magnus Wikström 2020
Supervisors: Björn Welde, Karin Sjöö Åkeblom, Lars Eklöf
Reviewer: Tobias Persson
Examiner: Åsa Wikberg Nilsson ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I want to thank Eleiko Group and Sigma Industry for the opportunity to do this project as my master thesis. Combining my love for powerlifting with my interest in engineering resulted in my dream master thesis project becoming reality. It has been very educative, having a collaboration between an employer and a consultant firm in the project. Getting a glint into the field of exercise equipment development, as well as the world of engineering consultant. I want to thank Björn Welde from Eleiko for the supervision of this project and Karin Sjöö Åkeblom from Sigma for the coaching and guidance.
I also want to thank all the people devoting their time for interviews, data collection, idea generation, and proof reading.
Lastly, I want to thank friends and family for the support outside the project. It would not have been possible without you.
Luleå, June 2020
Magnus Wikström ABSTRACT
In powerlifting the athletes compete to lift as much The result is a feasible conceptual solution that, with weight as possible in the squat, bench press and deadlift, minimal changes on use improve the safety for lifters and pushing their bodies to extreme levels of strength. When spotters. The concept accomplishes this with mechanical lifting heavy weights, safety becomes an important barriers in the form of straps. The straps are mounted concern, especially where the lifters can get injured by to steel beams that attaches to the uprights of the rack the barbell if a lift is unsuccessful. Today in the squat, the and reaches over the athlete, enclosing the barbell. The only safety mechanism available are the spotters, a team concept also includes a pair of extension legs, which of officials who surround the lifter during competition. attaches to the base of the rack, increasing the size of the This product development project aims to improve the footprint and provide additional stability. The solution safety of lifters and spotters in competition. is made to be retrofitted to already existing combo racks made by Eleiko. Key features of the concepts are the This project followed the CDIO process model, going straps passively adjust in height when adjusting the through the four phases of conceive, design, implement, height of the rack and the straps accommodate lifters with and operate. Using literature review, interviews, different grip widths when the rack is in the folded in observations, ergonomic analysis, fault tree analysis gave position. insights and information, which then were comprised into a Product Design Specification. The design phase Keywords: Industrial Design Engineering, User included idea generation using creative sessions, resulting Experience, Ergonomics, Product Development, Safety, a lot of ideas on how the problems could be solved. In the Powerlifting, Squat subsequent phases the ideas were developed using CAD, evaluated using FEM and usability testes, and narrowed down using the PDS. SAMMANFATTNING
I styrkelyft tävlar atleter i att lyfta så mycket vikt som Resultatet av projektet är en konceptuell produktlösning, möjligt i delgrenarna, knäböj, bänkpress och marklyft. som med minimal påverkan på lyftare och klovare Det göra att lyftarna pressar sina kroppar till extrema ökar säkerheten i knäböj. Konceptet åstadkommer nivåer av styrka. När tunga vikter ska lyftas är säkerheten det med nylonremmar som agerar mekaniska alltid en angelägenhet, speciellt med tanke på följderna barriärer för skivstången. Remmarna sitter fast i en av klämmas under en skivstång. I dagsläget finns det en stålbalk som sträcker sig över lyftaren och monteras säkerhetsmekanism för knäböj på en styrkelyftstävling. i stolparna på racket. Konceptet innehåller också Klovarna, de funktionärer som omringar lyftaren på ett par förlängningsben som fästs i basen av det podiet har i uppgift att fånga vikten och hjälpa lyftaren befintliga racket. De förbättrar stabiliteten för racket tillbaka i racken om något går fel. Misslyckas dem med genom att utöka fotavtrycket. Konceptet är tänkt att sin uppgift kan det ge ödesdigra konsekvenser. Målet eftermonteras på befintliga styrkelyftsställningar från med det här produktutvecklingsprojektet är att lösa det Eleiko. Nyckelfunktioner för konceptet är den passiva problemet och följaktligen att förbättra säkerheten för höjdjusteringen, höjden på remmarna justeras automatiskt både lyftare och klovare på tävling. när höjden på ställningen ställs in för lyftare av olika längd. Konceptet tillåter även att lyftare att knäböja med Projektet har använt processmodellen CDIO, en brett grepp om stången och infällt rack obehindrat då linjär process som består av fyra steg, conceive, remmarna inte kommer i vägen för armarna. design, implement och operate. Under conceive-fasen undersöktes problemet noggrannare. Med stöd av Nyckelord: Teknisk Design, Användarupplevelse, resultaten från litteraturstudier, intervjuer, observationer, Ergonomi, Produktutveckling, Säkerhet, Styrkelyft, ergonomisk analys och felträdsanalys upprättades Knäböj en designspecifikation. Efter det genererades idéer i kreativa sessioner, vilket resulterade i ett brett spektrum av idéer och möjliga lösningar. I följande faser utvecklades idéerna till koncept med hjälp av CAD. De tidiga koncepten utvärderades sedan med FEM och användartester och skalades ner till ett slutgiltigt koncept med designspecifikationen som utgångspunkt. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1 4.6 Operate 26 1.1 Background 1 4.6.1 Product usability testing 26 1.2 Stakeholders 2 4.6.2 Material testing - FEM 27 1.2.1 Primary stakeholders 2 4.6.2 Detail design – finalization and visualization 27 1.2.2 Secondary stakeholders 2 4.7 Method Discussion 28 1.3 Objectives and Aims 2 1.4 Research questions 2 5. Results 29 1.5 Scope 3 5.1 Process 29 1.6 Thesis outline 3 5.2 Results from Conceive 29 5.2.1 Movement space calculations 29 2. Context Immersion 4 5.2.2 Interviews 30 2.1 Current state 4 5.2.3 Observation 31 2.1.1 Current situation 4 5.2.4 Fault Tree Analysis 33 2.1.2 Rules and Regulations 7 5.2.5 OWAS 34 2.1.3 Eleiko Group 8 5.2.6 Brand DNA Analysis 35 2.1.4 Base of the project 9 5.2.7 User Need Assessment 36 2.2 Benchmarking 11 5.2.8 Product Design Specification 37 5.3 Results from Design 38 3. Theoretical framework 13 5.3.1 Creative sessions 38 3.1 Industrial Design Engineering 13 5.3.2 Seven early concepts 39 3.2 Product development opportunities 14 5.3.3 Early concept selection 41 3.3 User experience and Usability 14 5.4 Results from Implement 42 3.3.1 User experience 14 5.4.1 Prototyping 42 3.3.2 Usability 14 5.4.2 Three concepts 43 3.4 Safety 15 5.4.3 Concept selection 44 3.4.1 Mechanical hazards 15 5.5 Results from Operate 46 3.5 Fitting the human 16 5.5.1 Product Usability Testing 46 3.5.1 Ergonomics 16 5.5.2 Material testing 47 3.5.2 Human factors 16 5.6 Final Result 48 4. Methods and implementation 18 6. Discussion 54 4.1 Process 18 6.1 Positioning the result 54 4.2 Project planning 19 6.1.1 Industrial Design Engineering 54 4.3 Conceive 19 6.1.2 Product Opportunity 54 4.3.1 Literature review 19 6.1.3 User Experience and Usability 54 4.3.2 Interviews 19 6.1.4 Safety 55 4.3.3 Observations 20 6.1.5 Fitting the human 55 4.3.4 Fault tree analysis (FTA) 20 6.2 Relevance 55 4.3.5 Benchmarking 21 6.3 Sustainability 56 4.3.6 Brand DNA analysis 21 6.4 Reflections about project 56 4.3.7 OWAS 21 6.5 Recommendations for further development 57 4.3.8 User Need Assessment 22 4.3.9 Product Design Specification (PDS) 22 7. Conclusions 59 4.4 Design 23 4.4.1 Brainstorming 23 8. References 61 4.4.2 Method 635 23 4.4.3 Braindrawing 23 4.4.4 Idea Clustering 23 4.4.5 Creative Sessions 23 4.4.6 Sketch Prototyping 24 4.4.7 Dot Voting 25 4.5 Implement 25 4.5.1 Computer-aided Design 25 4.5.2 Mock-up 26 4.5.3 Criteria weighing matrix 26 4.5.4 Concept selection matrix 26 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1 Eleiko Group Figure 48 Magnus Wikström Figure 2 Eleiko Group Figure 49 Magnus Wikström Figure 3 Magnus Wikström Figure 50 Magnus Wikström Figure 4 Magnus Wikström Figure 51 Magnus Wikström Figure 5 Magnus Wikström Figure 52 Magnus Wikström Figure 6 Magnus Wikström Figure 53 Magnus Wikström Figure 7 Eleiko Group Figure 54 Magnus Wikström Figure 8 Magnus Wikström Figure 55 Magnus Wikström Figure 9 Magnus Wikström Figure 56 Magnus Wikström Figure 10 Magnus Wikström Figure 57 Magnus Wikström Figure 11 Magnus Wikström Figure 58 Magnus Wikström Figure 12 Magnus Wikström Figure 59 Magnus Wikström Figure 13 Magnus Wikström Figure 60 Magnus Wikström Figure 14 Magnus Wikström Figure 61 Magnus Wikström Figure 15 Magnus Wikström Figure 62 Magnus Wikström Figure 16 Magnus Wikström Figure 63 Magnus Wikström Figure 17 Magnus Wikström Figure 64 Magnus Wikström Figure 18 Eleiko Group Figure 65 Magnus Wikström Figure 19 Magnus Wikström Figure 66 Magnus Wikström Figure 20 Magnus Wikström Figure 67 Magnus Wikström Figure 21 Magnus Wikström Figure 68 Magnus Wikström Figure 22 Eleiko Group Figure 69 Magnus Wikström Figure 23 Magnus Wikström Figure 70 Magnus Wikström Figure 24 Magnus Wikström Figure 71 Magnus Wikström Figure 25 Magnus Wikström Figure 72 Magnus Wikström Figure 26 Magnus Wikström Figure 73 Eleiko Group Figure 27 Magnus Wikström Figure 74 Eleiko Group Figure 28 Magnus Wikström Figure 29 Eleiko Group Figure 30 Magnus Wikström Figure 31 Magnus Wikström APPENDIX Figure 32 Magnus Wikström 1. Gannt Figure 33 Magnus Wikström 2. Interviews Figure 34 Magnus Wikström 3. OWAS Figure 35 Magnus Wikström 4. Benchmarking Figure 36 Magnus Wikström 5. Dot voting Figure 37 Magnus Wikström 6. Criteria weighing matrix Figure 38 Magnus Wikström Figure 39 Magnus Wikström Figure 40 Magnus Wikström Figure 31 Magnus Wikström Figure 32 Magnus Wikström Figure 33 Magnus Wikström Figure 34 Magnus Wikström Figure 35 Magnus Wikström Figure 36 Magnus Wikström Figure 37 Magnus Wikström Figure 38 Eleiko Group Figure 39 Eleiko Group Figure 40 Magnus Wikström Figure 41 Magnus Wikström Figure 42 Magnus Wikström Figure 43 Magnus Wikström Figure 44 Magnus Wikström Figure 45 Magnus Wikström Figure 46 Magnus Wikström Figure 47 Magnus Wikström GLOSSARY
Accident J-hooks The definition of an accident that will be used in this A J-hook is the component of the rack where the barbell project is when the barbell with or without control is placed, often height adjustable. On most competition reaches the ground in the squat with the risk of injury the specified racks, there are two J-hooks on each side, one lifter or the spotters. for squat and one for bench press.
Range of motion Safety rack The distance the barbell travels as the lifter performs the In powerlifting terms, a safety rack is a height adjustable squat. This distance varies between lifters, depending on beam that stops the lifter from being crushed between the length, body composition, and style of squat. barbell and the bench surface in the bench press, if the attempt is not successful. This device is widely used for Movement space the bench press in competition but is not designed to cope Movement space in this project refers to the space that with the demands from the squat. the lifter can move freely behind the rack. How far back can the lifter walk with the barbell. And the highest and lowest point of the range of motion.
Squat rack A rack is in this setting is any apparatus where the barbell is placed while being loaded for lifting. There are multiple different types of squat racks. A so-called combo rack is a special kind of rack for the squat and the bench press in competition. Another rack is the so-called power rack that looks more like a cage, where the lifter stands inside. More examples of this are presented in the benchmarking. Figure 1 - Squat 1. INTRODUCTION
The question of “who is the strongest?” has in all 1.1 Background times interested people. The sport of powerlifting is The sport of powerlifting is a competition where you not described as the definitive measurement of human only compete against other athletes but the iron as well. strength (International Powerlifting Federation, n.d-a). It should not be confused with Olympic weightlifting, In powerlifting the athletes compete to lift as much according to USA Powerlifting (n.d) where the athletes weight as possible in the squat, bench press and deadlift, lift a barbell from the floor to overhead in the Snatch pushing their bodies to the limit. Each lifter is given and Clean-and-Jerk. In powerlifting the weight move three attempts in each discipline. The best result from slower and the loads are significantly higher. each discipline is added together, the highest total wins. This master thesis project will look further into the The three disciplines of powerlifting test strength in safety of the squat and how it can be improved through different parts of the lifters body. In competition, the product innovation. squat is the first discipline. In the squat the lifters place a barbell on their shoulders. The lift is then performed My love for the sport of powerlifting was the motivation by the athlete squatting down to where the top surface of for the initiation of this project. Being both a lifter and the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knee working as a coach in the sport gives me insights and and then stands back up erect (International Powerlifting understanding of the sport both from a technical and Federation, n.d-a). cultural standpoint. Surrounding the lifter on the platform is a team of The product design project was done as a master thesis officials, called spotters/loaders. Their task is to load in Industrial Design Engineering at Luleå University of weights on the barbell between attempts and ensure Technology. It was carried out in Luleå during the spring the safety of the lifters if they are not successful at semester of 2020, in collaboration with Eleiko Group completing the lift themselves. As of right now the AB and Sigma Industry. spotters/loaders are the only safety mechanism available in the squat. If they cannot catch the weight, the consequences can be catastrophic.
1 1.2 Stakeholders 1.2.2 Secondary stakeholders In this project there are multiple different stakeholders. The secondary stakeholders are affected by the project in Wasieleski & Weber (2017) describes a stakeholder a different way, either having economic or other interests as any individual that can affect or can be affected by in the outcome of the project. the work. The stakeholders are grouped in primary and secondary stakeholders based on their relation to the Eleiko product. Eleiko Group AB are the employer of the project, they have an economical interest in the project. As well as 1.2.1 Primary stakeholders an interest in development of the sport and being first to The primary stakeholders are the users that will come market. in direct contact with the product in its setting. Either being supported by it, using it directly or observing it International Powerlifting Federation while judging or spectating in competition. Their needs The final product is meant to be implemented in are more thoroughly mapped out in the result of the competition setting for the IPF. Therefore, the approval conceive phase. of the IPF is crucial for the product. This approval includes aspects of safety and cultural adherence. Spotters & loaders The users that will interact with the settings and Sigma Industry adjustments of the product are the spotters and loaders. Sigma Industry act as coaches for this project, They are tasked with loading and unloading the barbell, supporting the project with coaching, general changing the height of the rack as well as spotting the engineering guidance and office space. lifters. The final product of this project will aid their task of ensuring the safety of the lifters. From here on they 1.3 Objectives and Aims will be referred to as spotters. The objective is to develop a physical product solution that increases safety for both lifters and spotters Lifters in during the squat in powerlifting competition. In The lifters are the second primary user, being the ones extension lowering the risk for accidents for lifters and lifting the weight. Their performance and movement spotters on the platform. A solution of this kind may space should not be compromised by the product. This develop the sport further by increasing the level of applies to their hand placement and foot placement. competition. Their experience and security are crucial. The aim is to deliver a feasible conceptual solution Referees & spectators to the problem to Eleiko. The delivery will include Both the referees and the spectators must have a clear CAD-models, rendering, rough cost calculation and view of the lifters. As for referees to make correct recommendation for further development. judgement calls, and spectators must be able to see what is happening on the platform. 1.4 Research questions • How might the design of the concept solution Organizers increase the safety, user experience, and usability for Lastly of the primary stakeholders are the competition lifters and spotters in powerlifting competition? organizers. Their interest lies in operation time, price, • How does safety impact the user experience of size, assembly time and effort. Since the price and time squatting? for assembly is outside the scope of the project, the organizers will not be taken into consideration in the development.
2 1.5 Scope The project is carried out by one student during the spring semester of 2020. To get to the result in time, some limitations to the project scope had to be set. Therefore, the result will be a physical product solution that is compatible with the existing Eleiko IPF squat stand/bench. No physical load bearing prototype will be constructed due to lack of manufacturing and time constraints. Production techniques and manufacturing of the product will be outside of the scope of this project.
1.6 Thesis outline In this thesis the following chapters are presented. In the first chapter the introduction gives a short background to why the project was initiated. This is followed by the objectives & aims, scope and stakeholders. The second chapter describes the current situation in more detail. Explaining things that are important for the reader to understand to comprehend subsequent discussions. The third chapter summarizes the literature review. Here the already established knowledge is presented, which lays the foundation to the project. The fourth chapter presents all the methods used in the project, why they were selected, and how they were implemented. The fifth chapter includes the results from each phase as well as the final concept design. In chapter six the result and execution of the project is discussed in relation to the theory. In chapter seven, conclusions are drawn from the project based on the objectives and aims. Lastly, in chapter eight all references found in the thesis is listed.
3 Figure 2 - Adjusting the rack 2. CONTEXT IMMERSION
This chapter is a description of the context and serves supportive gear that protects against injury (International as a deep dive that lays the foundation for the project. It Powerlifting Federation, n.d-b). The hi-tech supportive describes the current state of the sport, the employer, the gear includes elastic suits, shirts and wraps for the knees product of which is the base of the project, the limitation and wrists that the lifters may wear. In classic lifting the of the rules and regulations and a short benchmarking of lifters are only allowed minimal supportive gear; knee similar products. sleeves, lifting belts and wrist wraps.
2.1 Current state The amount of weight lifted in powerlifting is immense. The current state of the project explains the current Looking at the world records you can understand what state of the sport, including a detailed description on the top-level athletes can lift. For example, the world how the powerlifting squat works, who participates in record squat for men in the equipped +120 kg class competition and what the rules state. stands at 505 kg (International Powerlifting Federation, 2020-04-05). 2.1.1 Current situation People of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds practice The spotters are usually a team of hand-picked powerlifting. In competition, lifters are divided into age volunteers that the organizers of a competition put categories and weight classes, allowing people of similar together. They can for example be members of the local prerequisites to compete against each other. The age powerlifting club. If you are a lifter at a powerlifting categories range from Sub-Junior (14-18) to Master IV club you have probably some experience in spotting (70+). The weight classes are different for women and already, making the need for learning new tasks low. men. Women range from -47 kgs (lighter than 47 kg), to +84 kgs, and men from -59 kgs (lighter than 59 kg) to In powerlifting competition, the athletes lift one at the 120+ kgs (International Powerlifting Federation, n.d-a). time on a platform. For the squat, the combo rack is placed on the platform, in such way that the lifter faces Powerlifting competitions are also comprised of two the audience. The team of spotters load the barbell and divisions of lifting, equipped and classic. In equipped adjust the rack to the right height for the lifter before lifting the athletes are allowed to wear hi-tech the lifters comes on the platform. The time and extent
4 different rules and regulations regarding drug testing, personal lifting gear, equipment, and general rules of competitions. By far the largest and most prestigious regarding competition is the International Powerlifting Federation, from here on referred to as the IPF. The IPF is the only Powerlifting association recognised by the Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF, n.d).
“The IPF has taken it’s role as the premier global Figure 3 - Illustration of a competition venue powerlifting federation very seriously and we have worked diligently with our sporting partners and of this operation is crucial for how fast the competition associates to become a responsible, high quality runs. When the lifter has come out and has taken the organization for athletes committed to drug-free, high- barbell out of the rack, the head referee gives the lifter standard competition” (International Powerlifting the signal to start the lift. The referees sit in front and to Federation, n.d-b). the sides of the platform, as seen in figure 3. Watching the lifter from multiple angles to ensure the lift is being The IPF provides live stream coverage of mostly performed correctly. It is essential for the referees to all international competitions watched by people all see the lifters hip crease during the lift, to make sure the over the world. Having tiny mistakes by the spotters squat is to depth. Depth is a term used in powerlifting that results in an accident broadcasted in real time to to describe if the lifter reached a low enough bottom the whole world is not in their interest. Making their position. It is when the top surface of the legs at the potential interest in a viable safety solution high. hip joint to be lower than the top of the knee, seen in figure 4. As the lifter stands back up again and when considered done by the head referee, is given a signal to place the barbell back in the rack.
Figure 4 - Squat depth
Competing in powerlifting can be done in several different international federations. These play by
5 The storyboard in figure 5 shows the sequence of events in a successful attempt and in figure 6 an unsuccessful attempt without spotter errors.
Figure 5 - Storyboard of successful lift
Figure 6 - Storyboard of unsuccessful lift with successful spotting
6 2.1.2 Rules and Regulations The International Powerlifting Federation has a rulebook that regulates all forms of competition and equipment used in competition. It will come to play a role in this project as it sets a base for the limitations of the final product.
This is a summary of some of the most important rules that will impact the project will follow. The International Powerlifting Federation (2019-11-31) dictates that a squat must be walked out, the lifter must remove the barbell from the rack and move backwards to establish the starting position. The hands and fingers must grip the barbell but can be placed anywhere on the barbell inside, or in contact with the inner collar. On the platform there should be no less than two, no more than five spotters, at all times. The head referee dictates how many spotters are needed for the situation. The spotters are not allowed to touch the barbell unless commanded by the head referee or the lifter. The lifter is also mandated to stay with the barbell if possible while getting help to replace it in the rack. Failing to do so results in an official warning, and possible disqualification.
There are some things that the rules do not regulate, which will both limit and provide opportunities for this project. The stance of the lifters is not in any way limited by the rules, meaning the lifter can place their feet as wide or narrow as they like. Neither does the rules mention how far back the lifter can walk with the barbell, this leaving it for interpretation. The rules also fail to mention any form of training, need of prior experience as well as physical attributes to be as spotter. Neither do it mention what happens if the spotters are not successful in helping the lifter in a failed attempt.
7 2.1.3 Eleiko Group chart, making their market position clear, see figure 8. Eleiko Group AB is official VIP partner of the IPF and Also, Eleiko aims to have designs that are durable, the employer of this project. They have identified the crafted and will withstand the test of time. Making product innovation opportunity and were the stakeholder products that will have a long and useful life with the initiating the project of developing a physical safety high technical qualities, timeless classic design, and solution for the squat. low environmental impact. The user experience of the Eleiko barbell is described as the “Eleiko feel”. A term originating from their introduction of rubber weights and needle bearings in the bar design (Eleiko, n.d-b). This user experience is implemented in their whole line- up of products as well, having a rigid and mechanical feel in every component.
“A lot of what we do is driven by feel. Strong mechanical sense and the ability to detect subtle differences in positions and movement is integral to creating products that are well received. Identifying the just right feeling translates into equipment that performs and feels great.” (Eleiko, n.d).
Figure 7 - Barbell Assembly
Eleiko have a six-decade long history in of bold ideas and ambitious goals. The company is heavily rooted in the passion for strength and has come to make the world’s finest barbell which has shaped the sport of weightlifting (Eleiko, n.d-a). The company’s mission is to “Make people stronger so they perform better in sports and in life” (Eleiko, n.d-a). Eleiko are also in a unique seat, being certified by the International Weightlifting Federation, International Powerlifting Federation and World Para Powerlifting, the three large internationally recognised barbell sports. Eleiko strive to be the number one strength company in the world, not only developing and selling equipment but also providing education. The Product Development Manager placed the company on a price performance- Figure 8 - Price performance chart
8 2.1.4 Base of the project The final product of this project will be developed as an accessory to an already existing product, the Eleiko IPF Squat Stand/Bench, seen in figure 9. Certified by the IPF for professional powerlifting use, it is the gold standard in competition. In this section the product platform for this project with its history, specifications, limitation, and opportunities for improvement will be presented.
The Eleiko IPF Squat Stand/Bench is an apparatus used in two of the disciplines, supporting the barbell while loading and setting up in the squat and bench press as well as providing safety racks and a surface for the athlete to lay on for the bench press. The rack must be reconstructed between the different disciplines, but the core components are preserved. The product is specified in dimensions by the IPF rule book and supports multiple functions that is essential to a powerlifting competition.
The uprights are height adjustable with a range of 75-170 cm (figure 10). These are operated by on lever arm and pins on either side, as seen in Figure 11. The height adjustment is crucial to minimise loading times in competition. The uprights also have a tilting mechanism that allows for wider hand positioning (figure 10). The uprights are individually tilted inwards by request from the athlete to accommodate lifters with a full wide Figure 9 - Eleiko Squat stand/Bench grip on the bar as well as smaller lifters who tend to
Figure 10 - Important functionallity
9 hit the rack during the first step of the walkout. The tilt mechanism is operated by a patent pending lever arm that makes the process very easy for the spotters, seen in figure 12.
At the bottom of the uprights are the attachment screws for the safety racks used in the bench press as well as the bench itself. The safety racks are an attachment Eleiko brought to market that is widely used in competition. As they are design today, they are not usable for the squat due to placement and not being large enough.
The base of the rack must also be taken into consideration. The base area is created by the bottom frame with its 45-degree angled beams that allows for wide foot positioning in the squat. Maintaining this area will be important as well as ensuring the structures rigidity for up to 550 kg loads.
Figure 11 - Uprights Figure 12 - Tiliting mechanism
10 2.2 Benchmarking To understand the market and take inspiration from similar product categories a market analysis and benchmarking was performed. The process consisted of three steps.
First, a look at competing brands whose equipment is approved by the IPF. This analysis took price and performance into consideration, and resulted in a price- performance chart, seen in figure 13.
Second, was the benchmark of IPF approved combo racks for competition use. Here, the offerings of different companies from the previous step were compared. Most Figure 13 - Price performance chart of the combo racks are similar, but some differentiating aspects were identified, see appendix 4. The benchmark was performed based on the aspects of price, quality, availability, and the special features that differentiates them from the competition. The aspect of quality was assessed by me, based on sturdiness, rigidness and, level of finish. None of them have any safety mechanism for the squat. This analysis was conducted based on my personal preconceived notions.
Figure 14 - Benchmarking
Product Price (SEK) Performance/ Availability Differentiating quality features Eleiko Squat stand/ 37 700 High Worldwide Lever folding, sound bench dampening ER equipment IPF 32 700 Medium Worldwide Multiple colours, Squat/Bench press steel rollers. Rack 10-001 Rouge IPF Combo 23 900 High North America Oversized, looks Rack beefy, sound dampening Pallini Bench + Squat - Medium Europe Steel rollers Zaoba Bull BL-BSR 51 800 High Asia Oversized
11 Lastly, other barbell related product that offer safety mechanisms was explored. None of these are used in IPF competition but could be inspirational for the development work. Three product categories were found inspiring.
Power rack A power rack is a cage-like rack where the lifter stands inside while performing the squat. The power rack in figure 14 is an illustration of the Eleiko XF-80. The safety mechanism is a metal bar, which is height adjustable and limits the vertical movement space. Figure 15 - Eleiko XF-80 Powerrack
Smith machine A smith machine is a rail mounted barbell commonly found in gyms. The smith machine in figure 15 is an illustration of the Eleiko Classic Smith Machine. This machine allows the barbell to travel on a fixed path along a guiding rail. Letting the athlete rack the weight anywhere along the rails.
Figure 16 - Eleiko Classic Smith Machine
Monolift A monolift is an apparatus that allows the lifter to squat without the need of a walk out. The monolift in figure 16 is from EliteFTS. The structure has two hooks that folds away when the lifter takes the weight out of the rack. This type of rack is not used in IPF competition and heavily associated with other federations, which does not comply with strict rules and drug testing. The monolift can be equipped with straps mounted from above for additional safety.
Figure 17 - EliteFTS Monolift
12 Photo: Eleiko Figure 18 - Barbells 3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The theory for this project was gathered and researched functions, and manufacturability. Norman (2013, using the literature review method. All the information p.5) contributes with a slightly different definition, and knowledge have been used as support for the “the service of creating and developing concepts and decision making of this project to reach deeper insight to specification that optimises the function, value, and the problems and how they could be solved. appearance of products and system for the mutual benefit of user and manufacturer “. 3.1 Industrial Design Engineering The design of a physical, mechanical product made Design engineering, or engineering design on the other for human use fits the skills of an Industrial Design hand is the product development from an engineering Engineer perfectly. The project will involve theories standpoint. Johannesson et al. (2013) describes it as of user experience, usability, ergonomics, engineering designing of the measurable, technical aspects of a design to establish an academic anchoring. Industrial product such as performance of components, geometry, Design Engineering being described by Johannesson, dimensions, material properties and manufacturing Persson, Pettersson (2013) as the bridge between methods. industrial design and engineering design. Ulrich & Eppinger (2012) defines design in a product “Engineers are trained to think logically. As development project as a leading role in defining form a result, they come to believe that all people of the product to best meet the needs of the user, which must think this way, and they design their includes both engineering design and industrial design. machines accordingly” (Norman, 2013, p.6) Therefore, there is a need to define these terms more thoroughly. Cross (2008) mentions the conflicts that sometimes arise between the camps of industrial designers and IDSA (n.d) defines Industrial Design as “the design engineers. These conflicts are mostly based professional practice of designing products, devices, on misconceptions about each other’s roles, and that objects, and services used by millions of people different project requires different amount of skills from around the world every day”. The industrial designer different people. This makes a mix of the two subjects a typically focuses their work on the products appearance, perfect fit for product design.
13 3.2 Product development 3.3.1 User experience opportunities User experience design, known as UX design is a The task of this project is to develop a new type of new field within the design realm. It stems from the product. Which is an opportunity to be first to market field of Human Computer Interactions and takes even and possibly even create a new standard for others to more aspects from the interaction with a product into follow. consideration (Interaction design Foundation, n.d).
Ulrich & Eppinger (2013) describes an idea in Norman (2013) describes user experience as taking the the context of product development as a product whole experience of an activity into consideration, not opportunity, a newly sensed need that has entered only the tasks the product is supposed to perform. the first stages of its development. Some of these opportunities become new products while others will The ISO standard 9241-11:2018 contributes a definition not make it that far. Ulrich & Eppinger (2013) further of User Experience; “user’s perceptions and responses describes that opportunities can be categorised in many that result from the use and/or anticipated use of a ways. A useful was to look at it is to define two separate system, product or service”. Kraft (2012) adds onto dimensions. One dimension being the knowledge of this definition, “I would describe user experience as the the solution and the other knowledge of the needs. The feelings that the user gets when using a product. Using farther you move away from the things your company feelings as a comparison model allows us to understand knows and does well, the larger the risk. that the user experience can be anything from hate to love”. Tullis & Albert (2013) push the importance of Cross (2008) adds to this idea of opportunity the user experience not being connected to any field identification and divides the grouping of opportunities of products or systems with the motivation that lets into technology push and market pull. A technology them study almost any product or system from a UX push being a technological advancement that gives perspective. companies and suppliers the ability to create new markets. A market pull on the other hand, being a look Tullis, T & Albert, B. (2013) points out the into user wants and needs for opportunities. Most distinguishing between usability and user experience. companies use a combination of both these tactics to “Usability is usually considered the ability of the user find their opportunities for development. Cross (2008) to use the thing to carry out a task successfully, whereas also tells us of area of opportunities. The least risky user experience takes a broader view, looking at the being developed technology in an already developed individual’s entire interaction with the thing, as well as market. The second and more promising is in a region the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that result from of developed technology being used in an undeveloped that interaction”. market, and vice versa. Lastly the riskiest zone being product innovation, where the both the technology and 3.3.2 Usability markets are undeveloped. Nielsen (2012) defines usability as a quality attribute which measures or describes how well the user can 3.3 User experience and Usability perform their task. Usability is divided into five quality Designing products for humans requires that the user components, learnability, efficiency, memorability, experience and usability will be the focus in every step errors, and satisfaction (Nilsen, 2012). of the development process. This is especially true when the employer has a widely appreciated brand experience. Learnability, how easy the first interaction with the product is. Efficiency, how quickly the product can accomplish its task after being understood. Memorability, how well the user remembers how to use
14 the product. Errors, how easily and often errors occur. feeling of security and stability. This consequently can Satisfaction, how satisfactory is the product to use improve the willingness to learn, explore and use the (Nielsen, 2012). design (Lidwell et al., 2003).
Jordan (2000) argues that by looking at the relations Lidwell et al. (2003) describes a forgiving design between users and product in a more holistic way, as a contribution of six different parameters. Good deeper understandings can be reached, called new affordance, reversibility of action, safety nets, human factors. Jordan (2000) & Lidwell, Holden & confirmation, warnings, and help. It is further stated Butler (2003) applies the Maslow hierarchy of human that the preferred way to reach forgiveness in a design needs to the human factors of the product experience. is to use the affordance, reversibility, and safety nets. The Maslow hierarchy of needs is based on the idea that Therefore, there is no reliance on warnings and help lower-level needs must be addressed before higher-lever (Lidwell et al., 2003). needs. It is comprised of the physiological needs, safety needs, Belongingness and love needs, Esteem needs, Affordance being the relationship between a physical and Self-actualisation needs (Jordan, 2000). object and a person. (Norman, 2013). Good affordance is the practise of designing the physical characteristics Lidwell et al. (2003) translates these basic needs into of an object to influence its function (Lidwell et al., user needs, arguing that the hierarchy of user needs 2003). When the objects affordance corresponds with its should work in the same way. The user needs are environment, it becomes more efficient and easier to use comprised of the need for functionality, reliability, (Lidwell et al., 2003). usability, proficiency, and creativity (Lidwell et al., 2003). Reversibility is the opportunity to reverse action of already committed actions (Lidwell et al., 2003). According to these models of needs, the safety and Jordan (2000) describes the ‘undo’ function as a great reliability of the design must be fulfilled before any example of a quick and easy method for reversibility. usability could be considered. It is possible to have an undo feature in electronic systems and products. However, it is hard to implement 3.4 Safety in physical products. Here you must instead limit the When designing a safety solution, it is obvious that the consequences of errors. issue of safety must be addressed. Safety nets are devices or function that minimizes Sharp, Preece & Rodgers (2019, p.20) defines safety the negative consequences of user errors (Lidwell et in the realm of usability as “protecting the user from al., 2003). Designing a physical safety net includes dangerous conditions and undesirable situations.” Sharp understanding the hazards and errors it must protect the et al. (2019) also states that safety also refers to the fears user from. that the user might perceive of committing errors. Jordan (2000) describes a similar approach of minimizing user 3.4.1 Mechanical hazards errors and making the recovery from already made Myrcha & Gierasimiuk (2010) describe mechanical errors, easier. Products can therefore become safer hazards as the physical characteristics of objects likely by preventing the user from making serious errors, as to cause injuries to the users. Objects that poses a well as giving the users means to recover from errors possibility of for example crushing, smashing, cutting, already made. Lidwell et al. (2003) calls this approach or tripping should be classified as mechanical hazards. forgiveness. A forgiving design provides the user with a The severity of it depends on the speed and mass of the object. (Myrcha & Gierasimiuk, 2010).
15 One type of safety net is a safety barrier. According 3.5.2 Human factors to Smith (2001) a safety barrier can be a mechanical One aspect of an ergonomic approach in designing is barrier which prevents external objects to cause and taking the sizes of different people into consideration. accident. Myrcha & Gierasimiuk (2010) further Dreyfuss (1993) describes the field of human factors as describes mechanical barriers as safeguards for the study of human measurements, capabilities, and mechanical hazards. The safeguard should be a physical limitation, which have become more complex as barrier which separates the human range of motion technology develops. Making the task of from the hazard zone. The recommendations made by accommodating all humans in a safe and comfortable Myrcha & Gierasimiuk (2010) for safeguards are that way gradually harder. they should be of robust construction and be situated at an appropriate distance from the danger zones. Further Norman (2013) argues that there is no such thing as an the safeguards should not create any additional hazards average person. This makes designing things hard, as the for the user as well as not be easily disabled or rendered design briefs usually demands that the products should non-operational. be usable for everyone. Using the anthropometric data is 3.5 Fitting the human a first way to get a hold of the measurements needed for While designing physical products for human use the your product. ergonomics and human factors are essential for user comfort and safety. As stated before, anthropometric aspects are a part of an ergonomic approach to product design. One definition of 3.5.1 Ergonomics anthropometry found in the Oxford English Dictionary The word Ergonomics comes from the Greek ergon (n.d-b) is “The measurement of the human body in order (work) and, nomos (laws) (IEA, n.d). The Oxford English Dictionary (n.d-a) defines Ergonomics as to determine its average dimensions and proportions, “The scientific study of the efficiency of people at different ages and in different populations”. The in their working environments”. The International modern anthropometry describes both functional Ergonomics Association (n.d) describes ergonomics and biomechanical anthropometry, describing the as the understanding of interactions among humans measurements and how body parts move in relation to and other elements of a system. Along with the each other. The measurements are used within the field profession that applies theory, principles, data, and of ergonomics to adapt the work and its environment to methods for designing with optimized human well- the anatomic and physical limitations of humans (NE.se, being and performance in mind. Wikberg Nilsson et al. (2015) further describes ergonomics as wide spectrum n.d-a). Most of the measurements of the human body is of areas touching on multiple different scientific normally distributed over a large population. Therefore, fields; psychology, industrial design, biomechanics, can a dimension of a population be described using only physiology, anatomy, and anthropometry. Pheasant & two values, the average and standard deviation. Most Haslegrave (2006) ties this all together by describing of these values can be described using these metrics, the field of ergonomics as the science finding the best except muscle strength and body weight which does match of the product to the user and the job to the not follow a normal distribution in a population (Hägg, user. Common criteria that the match is based on are Ericson, Odenrick, 2013). functional efficiency, ease of use, comfort, health and safety and, quality of working life. To take an ergonomic approach means that the product should not be design for one criterion at the expense of others (Pheasant & Haslegrave, 2006).
16 Dreyfuss (1993) provides the anthropometric data in ergonomic product development. In the designing to fit 98% of the population, which means including product that should not interfere with the user’s ability measurements from the first to the 99th percentile, to move aspects of Biomechanics must be taken into illustrated in figure 19. Or in other words, mean value consideration. Biomechanics are defined by the Oxford plus 2.326 times the standard deviation (Dreyfuss, English Dictionary (n.d) as the science concerning 1993). mechanical principles of movement and structure in living organisms. Hägg et al. (2013) tells us that biomechanical calculations are used in ergonomics to estimate stress on the human body from externals loads, for example.
The ergonomics and its subcategories are heavily involved in this project. Ergonomic needs and limitations for all the primary stakeholders must be Figure 19 - 98% in normal distribution Measurements used for this project have been the taken into consideration. The ergonomic analysis of the shoulder height and Buttock-knee depth, presented in spotter’s duties establishes one of the fundamental needs figure 20 and 21 for the first percentile woman and the for a product like this. The anthropometrics of the lifters 99th percentile male. and spotters together make up the need for unobstructed Anthropometrics are not the only factor necessary movement in the execution of the squat, playing a decisive role in the development.
Figure 20 - 1% female and 99% male
Figure 21 - Anthropometric data
17 Figure 22 - Barbell Assembly 4. METHODS AND IMPLEMENTATION
In this chapter the methods and implementation in the The chosen process model for the project is CDIO. project are described; how they work, how they are used According to the CDIO initiative (n.d) the program is and how they bring value to the result of the project. made for engineering education, based on its connection to product, process and systems lifecycle development. 4.1 Process The CDIO framework consists of four phases: Ulrich & Eppinger (2012) describes a product conceiving, designing, implementation, operation. development process as a sequence of activities and They are illustrated in figure 23. The conceive phase steps that is used by an enterprise to conceive, design, consists of the need identification, considering users, and commercialize a product. The steps and activities technologies, regulations, and business strategies. In are mostly intellectual and organizational, not physical. the Design phase, the ideas are generated based on the Most corporations use some sort of process model, information and needs established in the prior phase. some define and follow a precise model, while others Here you work with creative methods and try to come are not capable of describing theirs. According to Ulrich up with as many ideas as possible before grouping & Eppinger (2012), using a well-defined process can into designs. For the Implementation stage you then be beneficial for multiple different reasons, quality bring the designs together into actual products. To assurance, coordination, planning, management, and finish the implementation a concept selection process is opportunities for improvement. performed. For the final stage of the process, operate, you finalise the implementation to deliver intended
Figure 23 - CDIO process
18 value to the customer. In this case making the fine 4.3.1 Literature review tuning of the final concept before delivery. A further To establish a base for the project a literature review explanation of the phases, methods used, and their was performed. According to Milton & Rodgers (2011) contents is described in the following chapters. a literature review is the selection and evaluation of documents and literature on a specific topic. This gives This process model was chosen based on its linearity, the designers an informed point of view in the early lightness, and prior positive experience. The end goal stage of the project. A good literature review should of the project is well defined as of the project brief. You therefore include reviews of important documents could say that in the beginning of the process we know and publication connected to the needs of the product what the final product is going to be, just not how it development. The literature review consists of four will be designed. Since the CDIO model is targeted at stages (Milton & Rodgers, 2013). The framing of the engineering education and has no pre planned activities, issue, search for literature, evaluation of literature, and it allows great adaptability to the need of the project. analysis and interpretation of the literature. First, the subjects of information were established, 4.2 Project planning researching principles and theories of Industrial design The first week of the project was spent mapping out all engineering, user experience, usability, safety, and that needs to be done during the project and researching ergonomics. The search for information used the search methods to do so. To get an understanding of all the engine provided by the library at Luleå University of activities and their time scope, a project plan was Technology, both searching for printed literature and established. “Planning is deciding in advance what to digital resources through databases of academic articles. do, how to do it and who is to do it.” (Abraham, 2014) The evaluation of information was done based on the A Gantt chart was used to map all the tasks and source and author. Primary sources of information, as activities and their time frame. Ulrich & Eppinger well as books and publication made eminent authors in (2012) describes a Gantt chart as a tool for representing the respective field, were prioritized. Understanding the the timing of tasks and activities. The Gantt chart relativity of the information and connecting it to this consists of horizontal bars representing different tasks project took a lot of reading to create an overview of and their length represents the time frame of each task. the subjects. Followed by selecting and prioritizing the This provides a timeline of the whole project. Along information included in the thesis based on applicability with the different tasks and activities the length of every and connection. The literature review was mostly phase was determined, and the gates were drawn into performed in the conceive phase of the project but also the Gantt chart. All the activities were then colour coded spills over into later phases as new need for information based on the respective phase and context for ease of are established. use, see appendix 1. 4.3.2 Interviews 4.3 Conceive Learning more about the users and their thoughts and The CDIO Initiative (n.d) describes the conceive stage needs was achieved through interviews. Milton & as the phase of the project where customer needs are Rodgers (2011) writes “Interviews basically comprise defined; with the help of pre-existing knowledge and a series of questions that are posed directly to the where the first conceptual plans of the project are participants. They are a good way to get users to formed. This section includes all the methods used in the comment on how they feel about products”. Lantz conceive phase and how they were implemented in this (2013) writes that interviews can be modelled in many project. ways depending on the objective. A way to describe the outcome of an interview is its degree of structure. Either a very open interview where the inquired are free to explore and tell you their thoughts and ideas.
19 Otherwise, a structured interview where the interviewer All the interviews were recorded and later transcribed. is a living questionnaire. Lantz (2013) categorises All the transcripts were then sent to the interviewees interviews into groups based on their level of structure, for approval. The full transcriptions can be found in open, open controlled, semi structured, and structured. appendix 2. In this project the open controlled and semi structured types were used. The open controlled level is then 4.3.3 Observations the interviewer has an open discussion but guides The problem of safety and that accidents can occur the subject along in the topics rather than letting the in the squat has been identified as of the project brief interviewed talk freely. The semi structured type is a but that does not explain how they happen. Kylén more controlled structure, using more of a question- (2004) describes the observation as a method to basis but letting the subject elaborate on the questions collect objective information about how people react and adding follow up questions as the interview goes. in different situation. Osvalder, Rose, Karlsson (2011) writes that the objective of the observation is to look The interviews for this project was done with a few at users in their natural environment and not affecting different groups to find out more of what the different the ongoing process. This to understand what people aspects of the problem. The three groups were product actually do and not what they say they do, identifying developers from Eleiko, lifters, and spotters. faults the user can make and the problems that can occur. First, interviews were held with two product developers at Eleiko. The objective of these interviews was to The observations focused on accidents and how they get a description of how the company develop their happen, due to time constraint and how rarely accidents product and specific limitations in their organisation occur the observations were done using pre-recorded and opportunities that they can offer. Two separate competition footage. The footage was selected based interviews were held, with the Product Development on preconceived knowledge of accidents and dangerous Manager and Technical Director. These interviews were situations that have occurred in recent times. Due to open controlled, exploring the culture of the company, restriction in availability, the analysed footage comes their history in the sport and their position on the from international competition on the absolute highest market. The discussion was mainly free with some bullet level. As the sequence of events was observed, the most points that was prepared in advance to have something important aspects of how and why the accident occurred to fall back on. was written down. The result of the observations was then summarized in following Fault Tree Analysis, Interviews were also held with three lifters, of different which maps out all sequences of events that can lead to levels of competition and with varying experience. The an accident. selection of subjects was based on personal connection, time in the sport and availability. The interviews were 4.3.4 Fault tree analysis (FTA) semi structured, learning more about the user experience To reach a deeper understanding of the failures that of the squat in competition as well as their prior could lead to an accident during the squat in competition experience of safety. a Fault Tree Analysis was performed. Ericson (1999) writes that the concept of a fault tree analysis is to Another group of users are spotters. For these interviews describe a system or failure behaviour of a system with I selected two people that have recently had spotter a visual diagram. Osvalder et al. (2011) writes that duties in competition. These interviews were semi the method is based on an unwanted event and what structured, focusing on the preparedness and state of must happen to lead up to that. Ericsson (1999) further mind when the lifters are taking chances. describes that the visual diagram provides the reader with easily understandable failure paths and relations
20 between causes of failure. The method has a simple set Fitness, ER Equipment, Pallini, Zaoba BULL. These of rules and symbols that can analyse very complex products where benchmarked based on the criteria of systems. The basic rules include OR- and AND-gates price, performance/quality, availability, differentiating that describes the cause and how a certain event can features. All the information was gathered through occur. (Osvalder et al., 2011). The result of the analysis internet searches due to limitation on availability. can then be used to counteract the problems in a systematic way. Another inspirational benchmark looked at similar solutions, anything that can hold a barbell for lifting, As mentioned earlier, the method was used in succession focusing on product categories that use different types with the observation to find out exactly what accident of safety solutions. The following product categories that the final product must protect the lifter and were represented by, a power rack, a smith machine spotters against. A consultant from Sigma with prior and a monolift. These categories of products where experience in FTA’s helped guide the process, making then described in text and illustration to inspire sequent sure the events were mapped correctly with the right phases. dependencies. 4.3.6 Brand DNA analysis 4.3.5 Benchmarking Milton & Rodgers (2013) describes Brand DNA “Gathering intelligence about competitors is hardly a Analysis as a method to explore design language, visual new idea” (Drew, 1997). Benchmarking is the study codes, and how a company’s values are translated into of existing products similar to the product segment their products and services. It is a holistic approach that that being developed (Ulrich & Eppinger, 2012). It evaluates the products through a range of perspectives, is also referred to as a Competitor Product Analysis, aesthetics, interaction, performance, construction and is a method for examining and evaluating products meaning. Use of the method will determine the rules and solutions from existing products on the market and guiding principles of the brand, revealing the (Milton & Rodgers, 2013). Examining the competitors impressions that the users get of every aspect of the alongside your own product should be done based on brand. pre-set criteria and should be the foundation of both qualitative and quantitative criteria from your product The Brand DNA Analysis was used to identify design development. This analysis will result in understanding guidelines and a part of the user experience that will of the products place on the market as well as a list of be taken into consideration in finishing stages of the desirable functions and features from the other related project. product categories. The method was done on the Eleiko IPF Squat stand/ Bench. The actual product was not physically available Some research time was put into looking at other types at the time of the analysis, but prior experience of the of products that help people to catch large and heavy product and results from the interviews with Eleiko falling objects. The consensus is that humans should staff, supplemented by pictures and video was plenty not try to catch heavy falling objects. Therefore, the enough to draw conclusions. scope of the benchmark was limited to first examining and evaluating the companies that manufacture combo 4.3.7 OWAS racks approved by the IPF. Then exploring other safety For the ergonomic analysis of the spotter’s situation solution in exercise equipment of different kinds. OWAS was used. Ovako Working Posture Analysis System is an easy and quick classification of positioning The products that was benchmarked was from of the body under load (Osvalder et al., 2011). The companies whose combo rack solutions are approved method is mainly used for heavy lifts in working by the IPF. The companies where; Eleiko, Rouge environments. For this method, a computer software
21 called Ergofellow 3.0 was used, seen in figure 24. The needs of the lifters, spotters and judges that were The different working position of the subjects’ body discovered through interviews, observations, and fault parts are entered into the software along this the load three analysis were mapped using post-it notes on a and duration of the task, calculating a score and a board. To keep track of what used contributed to what recommendation for further action. The external load is need, different colours of notes were used. The method then selected, ranging from 0-20 kgs. provided further understanding of the needs of the primary stakeholders, setting the foundation of the user needs in the subsequent PDS.
4.3.9 Product Design Specification (PDS) Milton & Rodgers (2011) describes a Product Design Specification (PDS) as an important document that is essential to the design process. The document reflects the understanding of the user situation and all the design problems in detail that has been identified. The document is used by the designer as reference to during the whole development process to ensure that the decisions and proposals are appropriate. The PDS categorizes the sub-problems and makes them easier to Figure 24 - Ergofellow OWAS tool consider. The evaluation was done separate for the two side spotters as well as the back spotter. The analysis used The PDS consists of the result of the whole conceive the bottom of the squat as the working position as phase, tying together the technical requirements, the it is where the spotters are most compromised. The user needs, and the brand identity. All requirements observations were based on footage from a local are presented as a list. To facilitate the process, the competition. One limitation of the method is that the requirements are divided into two categories, basic and maximum external load of the method is 20 kgs, which desired. Basic requirements are the ones the product does not make it optimal for the situation when spotters must fulfil to be viable, treating them as a checklist. sometimes must catch up to 100 kgs each. This made the The desirable requirements are the ones that are not results hard to interpret but gave some pointers on the essential. Early concepts of the operate phase can meet ergonomic situation. different levels, making the desired requirements a useful tool for concept selection. 4.3.8 User Need Assessment Keeping track of the user needs is important to create a meaningful Product design specification. Especially when the project involves multiple user groups with different tasks and needs. Wikberg Nilsson et al. (2015) differentiate the need for identifying user needs from the search for solutions. The designer needs a deep understanding of the user needs to develop the best solutions. The user need assessment is based on the qualitive data collected in interviews, observations, focus groups, workshops etc.
22 4.4 Design the result can be over 100 ideas generated in just 30 According to CDIO (n.d) the design phase focuses on minutes (Wikberg Nilsson et al., 2015). Nieminen & the creation of ideas consisting mainly of plans and Tyllinen (2009) found that Method 635 both generated drawings that describes what will be implemented. This more ideas and had lower rejection rate compared to phase utilized the creative power of different groups Group Discussions, Brainstorming and Six Thinking of people to get a wider spectrum of ideas. This was Hats. done using creative workshops combining different idea generation methods and people with different prior 4.4.3 Braindrawing experiences. This section includes a short description of Braindrawing is a method based on brainstorming the methods used in the design phase and how they were that utilizes the sketch as a creative tool to find new implemented in workshops and creative sessions. perspectives (Wikberg Nilsson et al., 2015). The same rules from brainstorming apply, but this time you draw 4.4.1 Brainstorming your ideas instead writing them down. Wikberg Nilsson Milton & Rodgers (2011) describe brainstorming as et al. (2015) tells us that sketching together removes a technique used by design teams to generate ideas some of the ownership of an idea an make it more of quickly and efficiently. The method can be used to an idea of the group, which can be beneficial. This can generate a large number of innovative ideas. It can be be done in multiple different ways, rotating papers, used individually but it works best when used by groups making a pool of drawing etc., which makes the method of people. IDEO (2015) further adds that the use of adapteble to multiple situation and settings. brainstorming should not only be done with one’s design team, but also with the people you are designing for. The 4.4.4 Idea Clustering brainstorms work the best when the group is positive, Idea clustering, also known as bundling of ideas, is optimistic and focus on generation of as many ideas as described by IDEO.org (2015) as the process of taking possible (IDEO, 2015). Apart from that, the group must ideas and combining them into concepts. First you also follow a basic set of rules, including not criticizing group ideas that resemble each other. Then the goal is to or judging their own or others’ ideas, approaching the match these ideas together by using their best attributes, problem from different viewpoints and focusing on removing ones that are not working and consolidate the quantity rather than quality (Milton & Rodgers, 2011). ideas into complete solutions. The comparison can be drawn to a game of mix-and-match, where you combine The method of brainstorming is the basis of all other the best compatible ideas with each other to create methods for idea generation in the project. The complex concepts. following methods are variations of brainstorming that uses different prerequisites and accomplishes different 4.4.5 Creative Sessions goals. These are listed below. Creative sessions are described by Wikberg Nilsson et al. (2015) as meetings or get togethers where people are invited to explore and create together. Creative sessions 4.4.2 Method 635 where held using different combination of the creative Method 635 is a creative method based on brainwriting, methods earlier mentioned. Paulus & Yang (2000) tells a form of brainstorm. This is also known as brainwriting us that using a group setting in idea generation results 6-3-5 (Wikberg Nilsson et al., 2015). In this method in greater productivity compared to an individual three ideas are written down individually during a five- setting. Using group-writing may enhance the attention minute period. The papers are then rotated, giving the of members to others’ ideas. Which in succession can adjacent person in line the task of adding or improving improve the subjects’ cognitive ability (Paulus & Yang, on the previous ideas (Nieminen & Tyllinen, 2009). 2000). Sessions involving several types of people with When a group of six people have finished a full rotation, different skills and backgrounds in different groups was done to get a large spectrum of ideas.
23 The workshop where held both in person but also Creative session 2 – Powerlifters from Luleå online due to location constraints. Due to the outbreak Athlete club of the Coronavirus, circumstances were non-optimal The second creative session utilized five lifters from for creative sessions with big groups of people. All Luleå Athlete Club. The goal of the session was to the sessions consisted of at least one creative method utilize their expertise as lifters and experience in descried earlier followed by idea clustering, wrapping spotting to get another perspective on the situation. The up the spectra of ideas of the session. The end goal of all session used the Braindrawing method, rotating papers sessions was to have a couple of concepts that could be and building and discussing each other’s ideas, solving developed further. the problem of “What tool would you like to have you assist you as a spotter in the squat?”.
Creative session 3 – Engineering consultant from Sigma The last creative session of the idea generation was done in collaboration with the engineering consultants at Sigma. They were just like the students given the task of generating ideas on ways to catch a falling load before it hits the ground, in a Braindrawing session. The goal was to get insights from people who work as mechanical engineers and solve these kinds of problems on a daily basis.
4.4.6 Sketch Prototyping According to Milton & Rodgers (2013) the process of sketching is a key development tool. It enables the designers to evaluate ideas and save them for later work, improving and combining them. Wikberg Nilsson et al. (2015) describes sketching as a tool to prototype your ideas, emphasize the importance of the sketch before moving on to more advanced prototyping methods. The most important aspect is the ideas that Figure 24 - Creative session comes from creating a sketch, not the result of the Creative session 1 – Industrial Designers sketch. In the exploratory phases of the development Engineering students and alumnus thematic sketches are used (Milton & Rodgers, 2013). The first creative session was done in collaboration with They convey the physical aspects, characteristics, and six students and alumni from the IDE program at LTU. aesthetics as well as explanatory text and clarification It was conducted over the internet using Miro, an online for further understanding. collaborative platform for creativity. The session used the 635 Brainwriting and Braindrawing. The goal was to This method was used to combine the resulting clusters generate more general ideas; therefore, the participants from the creative sessions. The reasoning behind it were instructed to generate ideas that can catch any was to make the ideas into complete early concepts falling load before it hits the ground. This was done and presenting them with similar quality for further to get away from some of the constraints of solving a evaluation, eliminating bias towards more well finished situation they are not familiar with. concepts from the creative sessions. A set time of one hour for every concept was implemented to equal
24 the playing field so no idea gets more work before 4.5 Implement evaluation. All the concepts were sketched on top of the CDIO (n.d) describes the implementation phase as the same computer-generated picture of the standard rack process of turning the designs from previous phase and therefore were directly comparable. into a product. This includes further development of details and the early concepts, prototyping and concept 4.4.7 Dot Voting evaluation. This phase includes methods of further Evaluating and selecting concepts in a group setting is development with sketching and CAD prototyping along easy using the Dot Voting method (Gibbons, 2019). The with ensuring usability of the concepts through crap-up method is described as an easy way to select and narrow prototyping. At the end of the phase the final concept is down concepts that works well in most situations. It selected. works by having a group of people voting on different ideas or concepts using some sort of marker. All 4.5.1 Computer-aided Design participants get a certain number of votes, and the voting Developing the three concepts further was done in CAD. is done in silence to eliminate persuasion between users. According to Milton & Rodgers (2011), Computer-aided The result is a heatmap of the most relevant alternatives design is the use of software and to design both real and according to the voters (Gibbons, 2019). The exact virtual products. The benefit of CAD software is, not numbers of votes are then counted to produce a more only showing the form of an object but the materials, precise result. dimensions, and processes.
This session was done in collaboration with five Using the early concepts as a starting point, the concepts engineering consultants from Sigma who have was developed in detail. Adapting the concepts to the experience of evaluating product designs in their measurements of the Eleiko rack, as well as establishing daily work. The basis of selection was the seven early measurements and proportions, mounting points, and concepts that stem from idea clusters. Each participant mechanisms. To create an even playing field in further was given three votes based to place on the most evaluation, all concepts were given about one day of prominent early concepts, based on the criteria of work each and the concepts was developed to the same the design specification. The participants were also level of detail. The software of choice was Siemens NX, encouraged to give feedback to the early concepts, which is a multipurpose CAD software that excels at writing things down that they liked, disliked, stood out, solid modelling. thought was unclear etc. The implementation of the method can be seen in figure 26.
Figure 26 - Dot voting presentation
Figure 27 - Mock-up
25 4.5.2 Mock-up 4.5.4 Concept selection matrix According to Milton & Rodgers (2013) mock-up is a The final concept selection was done using a concept method used to build quick prototypes for evaluation selection matrix using the weighed criteria from the of user interaction scale and proportions. The mock- design specification. The three concepts were evaluation ups are usually made from cardboard, wood, or foam. on how well they fulfil the requirements. Wikberg The furniture industry usually uses it due to it being Nilsson et al. (2015) describe the concept selection inexpensive to produce full scale replicas to ensure matrix as a method to evaluate and rank concepts based scale, size, and ergonomics. on previously established criteria. The goal is to evaluate the concept based on each criterion individually, The proportions established in CAD were used to create eliminating personal preference. All the criteria, with the mock-ups on an existing rack. Using corrugated respective weight are put in a matrix along with the paper (figure 27), the mock-ups were not load bearing concepts. The concepts are then evaluated individually but could show proportions, measurements, and against each criterion. The score was given based on movement space for the users Identifying problems of how well the concept fulfilled the requirement, ranking space and mounting points was then used as input for from 3 (well) to 0 (not at all). The score multiplied with the concept selection. the weight gives the final score of each concept. The concepts with the highest total score was then brought to 4.5.3 Criteria weighing matrix the operate phase for finalization. To understand the importance of the requirements from the design specification, the weighted objectives 4.6 Operate method was used. Objective weighing can be done by The operate phase is the final stage of the CDIO process comparing the importance of criteria in pairs, using a model. Here the implemented product is given its matrix to represent the rank order (Cross, 2000). The intended value (CDIO, n.d). As this product matrix works by comparing the row and the column, development project has a conceptual product as its final numbers 0 and 1 representing if the column or row delivery this stage focuses on the detail design and is more important. The score is then added together, delivery of the final concept. This stage includes further representing the weight of the criterion. CAD modelling and visualization, as wells as usability testing, and FEM simulations. This session was done in collaboration with the client. Björn Welde from Eleiko made the comparisons 4.6.1 Product usability testing based on their company values. To eliminate bias To ensure the movement space is sufficient and the towards ideas that the client found more interesting, biomechanical calculation are correct a usability the session was done without giving the them any test was done. Milton & Rodgers (2013) argues that previous information of the results from the design and usability testing is vital part of the development process, implementation phase. allowing the designer to verify if their product fulfil the requirements for usability. The method should be As every concept fulfilled all the basic requirements, used in a realistic environment, letting target users test they were excluded from this step, weighing only the the product. The observer should look for behaviour, desired requirements that could establish difference emotions, and difficulties the user might experience between concepts. As there were ten requirements during the test. the weight ranged from one to nine, which seemed like an appropriate scale. The weighed criteria were The test was done using a focus group based on then brought to the concept selection using a concept powerlifters from Luleå Athletes Club. They were given selection matrix. the opportunity to try a further developed version of the mock-up from the antecedent phase. The test mostly
26 focused on ensuring that the movements space was solutions’ viability. The results of the test were then sufficient for lifters of different sizes and proportions, further analysed, finetuning dimensions and mounting but also included feedback, emotions, and courses points in an iterative process. of action. As the prototype is not load bearing the main function the product could unfortunately not be 4.6.2 Detail design – finalization and evaluated from this method. visualization Taking a further look into the detail of the final product 4.6.2 Material testing - FEM concept initiated the Operate phase. Looking into As the project lacked the resources to fabricate a load mounting mechanisms, spacing, contact points, and bearing prototype, another method of material testing concept delivery. The final development was done was used, FEM. Ne.se (n.d-b) describes the Finite in CAD, finalizing the design, and visualizing it for Element Method as an essential tool in engineering, presentation and delivery. The visualization was done in used in structural analysis for example. It is with a software called KeyShot. FEM possible to solve complex problems by dividing structures into smaller section, finite elements. This allows complex mechanical structures to be analysed.
Figure 28 - FEM setup A simplified model of the product was used to perform the simulation. The product is symmetrical and attaches to both sides of the uprights, only one side was simulated. The impact of a falling barbell is a complex problem, even using advanced computer software, it is considered outside the scope of the project. Instead a static load of 10 KN was used, applied the bottom of the strap splitting the load equally between the mounting points, see figure 28. This resulted in a rough simplification, but allowed for estimation of the
27 Having the different groups solve more general 4.7 Method Discussion problems than catching a falling barbell was successful. In this segment the approach and implementation of the Using a problem setting the participants could relate to methods are discussed. Overall, the project has followed seemed to have freed up creativity, avoiding making a design process made for product development and has the participants feel that they are supposed to solve the included suitable methods in every step of dev elopment problem of my project. to that the correct decisions and approach have been implemented in the respective stages. Implement Conceive The use of physical mock-ups contributed a lot to the Initiating a project with a large time scope is always success of understanding the movement space and difficult, this was no exception. Managing time and evaluating the required settings needed. Unfortunately, estimating time consumption proved to be hard. In the time constraints did not allow for any iteration with retrospect, the conceive phase should have been this method. More iterations would have resulted in conducted in a different manner. Taking time to conduct more refined concepts for evaluation, and less need for user surveys would have given a better view of the development in the operate phase. situation with less time spent compared to interviews. The process of weighing the desired criteria was very The interviews could then have been used to further helpful. The systematic way to compare criteria against examine the most important findings from the surveys. each other removes bias compared to ranking the criteria The use of personas would probably have contributed individually. Ensuring the result of the concept selection greatly to the project. Having personas to explain the matrix using an expert opinion, gave credibility that the sport, scenarios and experiences would have facilitated best suited option was brought to final development. the execution and motivation of design choices. Operate Design Having to make simplification in the FEM process led Conducting creative sessions during a pandemic proved to a result which is hard to interpret and needs further to be difficult. It resulted in problems with getting work. Having more time, I would have simulated the people to physical meetings. Planning for longer impact of a falling barbell and further investigated the sessions was impossible and a lot of improvising was material strength of the whole unit with the attachments needed. Catching employees from Sigma on a coffee mounted. break and lifters at the end of a training session was successful but instead resulted in a constrained time The usability testing lacked enough participants. frame. All sessions were less than half an hour. One Having more lifters of different sizes would have given benefit of the more spontaneous creative sessions was the method a more useful result. It would have been that the participants did not have any time to prepare. especially useful having users that is considered outliers As most of the participants were high-performance testing the product mock-up. individuals, the lack of preparation resulted in a more open-minded approach to the sessions.
One of the creative sessions was done over the internet which presented a new set of problems that I have not faced before. The lack of creative atmosphere that a workshop setting usually has was made apparent. According to my experience, the motivation to participate was low compared to physical workshops and creative sessions.
28 Photo: Eleiko Figure 29 - Squat preparations 5. RESULTS
In this chapter the results from the different phases of 5.2.1 Movement space calculations the project are presented. The chapter is categorized Anthropometric simplifications and biomechanical as the CDIO process model, by phase, context, and calculations lay the foundation for dimensioning of the method. concepts later. Here the anthropometrical data was used 5.1 Process to estimate movement space of the lifter, visualized in figure 30. As expected, the project plan could not be followed as set in the beginning. Changes in methods, time frame and time distribution had to be made along the way. This was due to new needs being identified along the way. But the process model with its components stayed intact. A handful of times during the project the stage gate model was abandoned, going back in iterative fashion, exporting aspects of the context based on new insights in the implementation. 5.2 Results from Conceive This section contains the result of the conceive phase of the project. It includes the gathering of information, on which the rest of the project is based on. Some of the results from this phase are included in the Context immersion and literature review chapters. In this chapter Figure 30 - Movement space are the results from the interviews, observations, FTA, As the most important feature of the product is that the Brand DNA analysis and Ergonomic analysis. Lastly the lifter should not accidentally hit the safety solution, the whole phase is summed up in a Product design shortest lifter must be considered as the lowest point of specification. the squat, including everyone taller.
29 Figure 33 - Measurements
5% female 95% male
Shoulder height 1245 mm 1529 mm (A) Buttock-knee 536 mm 660 mm length (B) Depth height (C) 709 mm 869 mm
Figure 31 - Bar placement and squat style One simplification was made to apply available 5.2.2 Interviews anthropometric data to this problem setting, equalling A shorter extract from the interviews is presented here, the range of motion with the buttock-knee length. lifting problems and interesting aspects valuable to the Figure 31 demonstrates, the range of motion is roughly project. the same as the length of the buttocks-knee length in a seated position. It also shows, regardless of where on the Experts barbell is placed on the shoulders, the range of motion is The expert interviews gave insight into the client and roughly the same. how they work with design. That Eleiko have previously investigated designing a safety rack for the squat and To compensate for the simplifications and to ensure a concluded that none of their options at the time was high margin of error, half the radius of a weight disk viable. (110 mm) was added to the lowest point of movement space. Figure 32 shows which measurements was used Insights into the relationship with the IPF was of value. and table 2 shows the measurements and calculation These insights included they are trusted enough to used in the subsequent detail design. be allowed to test prototypes on major international championships. Also, that they have personnel traveling to major competition and observing their competition products in use, identifying potential improvements for next generation of products.
Lifters The lifters had different experiences of squatting in competition. One thing in common was the nervousness and anxiousness before the first squat in competition. Questions of squatting deep enough, or self-doubt of performance seems common. The lifters commonly expressed the trust in the spotter’s ability. More experienced lifters expressed that they evaluate the spotters before they compete themselves. None of the lifters had experienced any accidents themselves. But stories about accidents they had
Figure 32 - Measurements
30 observed were told. Some of the ones available for A Canadian lifter attempts to squat 410 kgs. On the playback are further analysed in the result of the way up of the lifter loses balance and gets stuck. Even observation. though all five spotters are in the right position they “One male lifter fainted as he took his first step are not able to lift the barbell, the lifter starts falling backwards out of the rack. The spotters had no chance forwards, staying with the barbell. As the spotters get the bar going upwards the lifters arm gets stuck between catching him and he fell to the floor with the barbell.” the barbell and the rack. While being held in place by Spotters the back spotter, the lifter panics and tries to get out of The spotter expressed the work as very taxing, resulting the situation. The lifter falls forward on the floor and in definite soreness the day after. A lack of spotters in multiple other officials rush forward and replaces the local competitions was expressed, resulting volunteers barbell. jumping in last minute, without any preparations. The lifter selected a first attempt that they were not able Having a large number of tasks in a tight time frame to lift. One of the side spotters misses the sleeve of the makes errors inevitable. The spotter expressed fear and barbell and is not strong enough to recover from it when nervousness for committing errors and the repercussions the attempt is unsuccessful. The barbell falls quickly they might have on the lifter but also the safety of the shifts to one side and hits the ground. Now the lifter is other spotters. The problem of awaiting the command pinned between the barbell and the floor. The lifter lets of the head judge before taking the barbell was also go of the barbell and crawls out while the barbell is put brought up. There is a delicate balance between taking down to the floor by the other spotters. the barbell when you se the lifter is about to fail and when the head referee hasn’t given the command yet. A Ukrainian lifter experiences personal equipment failure in the bottom of the squat. The lifters squat suit The spotter told a story of a past incident where the lifter tears causing him to instantaneously lose all tension dumped the barbell backwards ending up in the armpits in his body. He falls forwards with the barbell hitting of the back spotter while the side spotters tried to adjust him in the back of the head. The spotters have no time their position. to react and the barbell hits the floor instantaneous. Miraculously, all five spotters and the lifter are 5.2.3 Observation unharmed in this incident. The barbell is then stripped of Observations was made on multiple levels of the discs and reloaded in the rack for the next lifter. competition, looking at the spotters’ situation for the ergonomic assessment, and possible ways that accidents A Norwegian lifter had a similar accident. In an can occur for the fault tree analysis. Accidents are equipped squat his squat suit tore in the back as he hit relatively uncommon in powerlifting, making the depth. The lifter instantly lost his tension and the barbell likeliness of observing an accident in two competitions came falling over his head. The accident happened on local and junior national level, small. Therefore, almost instantaneous and the spotters had no time to playback of broadcast from competition of higher level react, making it impossible for them to assist. was used to get more information. The footage used was from the 2016 Classic Worlds Championships in Another lifter misjudged his foot placement as he was Killeen, USA, the 2017 Open World Championships about to un-rack the barbell, standing too far forwards. in Pilsen, Czech Republic and 2019 Classic Worlds As he pushed the barbell upwards, he lost balance and Championships in Helsingborg, Sweden. Due to fell head over heels backwards and hit the floor well copyright reasons the footage cannot be used to describe before the spotters even noticed what had happened. the sequence of events. Following are descriptions of some of the observed scenarios.
31 These are just examples of what can happen in a Following are two storyboards, summarizing two powerlifting squat. Luckily, none of the observations incidents that result in an accident. One where the resulted in any serious injury for either the lifters or the spotters make an error (figure 34), and the other one spotters involved. where the lifters personal equipment fails (figure 35).
Figure 34 - Spotter error
Figure 35 - Instantaneous accident
32 5.2.4 Fault Tree Analysis barbell, which demands extremely high reaction times To get a precise map of all the different ways an accident from the spotters, if only one of them fail to catch the can occur a Fault Tree Analysis was performed. This weight on a split seconds notice will result in further method looks at the causes and chains of events that injury. could lead to an accident, see figure 36. The analysis was done based on the result from observations and The problem of spotters not being strong enough, or interviews. No statistics could be found on failure rates not positioned well enough to lift the barbell in case of and severity accident. This makes for difficult analysis an unsuccessful attempt can spawn multiple different of how frequent accidents occur and how severe the dangerous situations. In the case of only one side failing repercussions can be. It must be stated that number the lifter will be put under huge shearing forces as the of accidents in powerlifting are low in relation to the barbell shifts to one side. As one side falls to the floor number of squat attempts. the spotters on the opposite side further worsen the situation by lifting it. The tree diagram shows multiple ways accidents can occur. The lifter and the spotters must fail in their task All the scenarios mapped by the Fault Tree Diagram for an accident to happen. Multiple scenarios have been will be taken into consideration when designing and identified as especially dangerous based on personal evaluating the concepts in subsequent phases. experience.
The lifter totally losing control over the bar from either an acute injury, personal equipment failure or passing out, the lifter cannot assist the spotters on replacing the
Figure 36 - Fault Tree
33 5.2.5 OWAS The back spotter stands behind the lifter, catching either The OWAS ergonomic assessment was based on the the barbell or the lifter. In the bottom of the squat the observation of spotters from a local competition. There spotter is in a deep squat with a forward lean and arms is a maximum of five spotters on the platform at the below shoulder level and extended, see figure 37. This same time. Two of the spotters have the same task on results in a code of 1-1-4-3, which results in “Corrective each side of the barbell. Therefore, only three different actions required in the near future”. tasks were analysed individually. The positions of the different spotters vary. Following are a description of All the results are based on an external load of more the tasks, their body position and OWAS recommended than 20 kgs. In powerlifting the weight of the barbell course of action. All illustrations are created with the can reach higher than 500 kgs, resulting in each spotter observation as a reference. The full score can be found catching a load of 100 kgs each. Drawing conclusions in appendix 3. from the result of the OWAS based on that load. Making it necessary point out that being a spotter is a not a full- Side spotter 1 stands alongside the barbell and grips time job done by ordinary people. Spotters are usually the sleeve of the barbell. In the bottom position of the hand selected lifters that do this for a very limited time squat the spotter is in a deep squat with an upright, non- period, therefore making it possible. twisted torso with arms in front in shoulder height, see figure 37. It gives a code of 1-1-4-3, which results in “Corrective actions required in the near future”.
Side spotter 2 stands behind the weight discs and grips the discs. In the bottom position of the squat the spotter is in a deep squat with a slightly twisted back to reach underneath the discs. The arms are in front, extended, and below shoulder level, see figure 37. This position gives a code of 3-1-4-3, which results in “Corrective actions should be done as soon as possible”.
Figure 37 - Spotter tasks
34 5.2.6 Brand DNA Analysis parts, as simple levers, pins, and rollers. The contact A further analysis using the Brand DNA analysis points with the barbell are reinforced by additional described by Milton & Rodgers (2013) gives us more plastic plates to minimise steel-to-steel wear. The insight of the brands representation through the product product is made to be shipped as a flat package, giving which must carry over to the product of this project. the customer the final assembly. The analysis was done of the product in the bench press configuration (figure 38), which is how the product is Meaning marketed and sold, as well as proving more parts that The product gives lifters an urge to lift heavy weights. shows a representation of the Eleiko design idiom. Based on the legacy of the company most lifters see this as the golden standard for combo racks. This gives the Aesthetics user a sense of security and reliability, knowing that the With a combination of hard and soft, edgy, and round equipment you are using is not going to fail you. shapes the rack looks stable, sleek, and modern. The contrast between dark finish and lighter accents gives balance to the appearance, seen in figure 39.
There is no smell associated with the rack, maybe a hint of oil or lubricant from the bearings. The rack sound and feels sturdy and stable, and all parts have a high attention to detail and are tightly fitted together. The contact points are well machined and allows for smooth contact.
Interaction As a lifter the interaction is simple, it holds the barbell for you to lift. All the adjustment points that changes the settings of the rack are colour coded. The levers for height adjustment and tilt mechanism as well as the pins have a light finish with a knurled surface for better grip Figure 38 - Eleiko IPF Squat stand/bench and an indication of where to hold.
Performance The rack allows the same equipment to be used for both the squat and bench press in competition. This versatile combo lowers the amount of equipment an organizer needs to arrange a competition. Using this product in competition also allows the spotters and loaders to efficiently change the settings for the lifters in between attempts.
Construction The rack is made from high-strength steel with some plastic attachments. The main connection points of the construction are mostly welded or screwed together. Most of the mechanical parts utilize basic mechanical
Figure 39 - Eleiko IPF Squat stand/bench 35 5.2.7 User Need Assessment
Summarizing the result from the interviews, observations and FTA was done in a user need assessment. Statements and phrases that where particularly interesting were extracted and written down. The statements where categorized in different colours based on what group of users it concerns. In figure 40 the result is presented. The colours of the post-it represent the user group, green for spotters, yellow for lifters, and orange for referees.
Figure 40 - User needs
36 5.2.8 Product Design Specification
Building on the User Need Assessment and involving the other identified requirements form the conceive phase are all condensed in a Product Design Specification (figure 41). The design specification consists of two categories, Basic and Desired requirements. The desired requirement will later be weighted and used in the concept selection process.
Figure 41 - Product Design Specification
37 5.3 Results from Design This section includes the result from the Design phase of the project. This represented the creative part of the project, diverging with a lot of ideas and solutions before converging into early concept generation and selection.
5.3.1 Creative sessions The sessions were successful, utilizing the knowledge of different groups of people, resulting in a wide range of ideas. All the idea generation sessions resulted in roughly a hundred ideas, an extract of them are presented extract in figure 42.
Figure 42 - Extract of ideas from creative sessions
38 5.3.2 Seven early concepts
The ideas were clustered in the end of every creative session. The clusters from the different sessions was added together and the least plausible ideas was filtered out, resulting in seven clusters. Sketch prototyping was used to summarize the clusters of ideas.
The decision was made that the product was going to be a retrofitted solution based on the amount of Eleiko racks that exist today in commercial gyms, barbell clubs and home gyms. Developing the product to be Figure 44 - Early concept TWO an accessory opens a new market with a low buy in. Therefore, the sketching originated from the same low-fi Concept TWO is a solution that mounts in the uprights drawing of the product platform. As well as giving the of the rack and reached over and around the barbell. same level of finish to all concepts, to allow for a more The barbell is enclosed in a band loop, which allows impartial evaluation. This method resulted in seven early for freedom of movement for the lifter. The height is concepts, which are presented in this segment. The early automatically adjusted by adjusting the height of the concepts were numbered in random order to save time in uprights. The attachment in the uprights also allow the name giving and remove some bias from the following rack to be folded in, letting the lifter grab the barbell evaluation. wide with the loop passing between the hand and the shoulder.
Figure 43 - Early concept ONE Figure 45 - Early concept THREE
Concept ONE is a scaled-up version of the existing Concept THREE is a variation of concept TWO, safety racks used for bench press. In comparison, it instead utilizing a seat belt mechanism as the protective has larger dimensions and is both longer and more component. The seatbelt mechanism is mounted above adjustable in height. It catches the falling barbell on the lifter and attaches to the barbell. If the bar loses plastic covered steel beams and is mounted at the momentum and starts to fall in the ascent of the lift, the bottom of the rack. It also accommodates stoppers at the seat belt mechanism locks. This mechanism eliminates back to prevent the barbell from rolling off. any height adjustment issues.
39 Figure 46 - Early concept FOUR Figure 48 - Early concept SIX
Concept FOUR is a large enclosure, inspired by a power Concepts SIX are two airbags placed on the floor, below rack that utilizes a strap as the safety mechanism. The the weight discs. The airbag is controlled by one of straps attach to a second upright behind the lifter as the spotters and inflates to catch the barbell. Both the well as in the uprights of the rack, making the height lifters and spotters can jump out of the way as the airbag adjustment automatic when adjusting the rack height. prevents damage to the floor and equipment.
Figure 47 - Early concept FIVE Figure 49 - Early concept SEVEN
Concept FIVE is a lever arm that attaches in the uprights Concept SEVEN is a solution utilizing smaller platforms of the rack and folds out to the right height. The arms for the spotters to stand on next to the ends of the are fixated in place using hydraulics and accommodates barbell. Changing up the biomechanics of the spotters a large hook at the back for catching the barbell if the allowing them to be in a more advantageous position bars are not levelled. to assist the lifter. The platforms are made as minimal as possible to minimize visibility constraints. The platforms also work as a sheet anchor, preventing the lifter from getting squished.
40 5.3.3 Early concept selection The dot voting session utilized six engineering consultants from Sigma who gave their vote based on the PDS, and feedback on the early concepts. The result of the vote can be found in figure 50. Along with the vote the feedback was beneficial for further development, see appendix 5.
From the dot voting session, four early concepts stood out from the rest. Early concept TWO received the most votes, followed by three early concepts with the score of three votes. A second elimination was done based on the PDS. Early concept THREE was eliminated from further development due to the complexity and need of maintenance work that would be required for a seat belt-like solution. The need of contact with the barbell during the whole lift also made it nonviable, due to rule constraints. The tree early concepts were then selected for further development. In figure 51 the three concepts brought forward are shown along with the feedback from the session. Figure 50 - Score from Dot Voting
• Simple • Looks secure • Rear upright in the way of the • Risk of pinching • Simple spotters • Missing width adjustment • Does not impact visibility • Simple • Mimics bench safety rack • Limits walk back distance • Good looking
Figure 51 - Early concept with feedback from dot voting
41 5.4 Results from Implement This section includes the results from the implementation and operation phases, describing the conceptualization, result from the selection process and the detail design and refinement.
Further development of the early concept brought from the design phase started out in sketching, looking at ways the early concepts could use the Eleiko design idiom, how their functionality and adaptability could improve.
5.4.1 Prototyping Along with sketching the concepts was prototyped in Figure 52 - Mock-up of Upscale CAD software and in physical form as cardboard mock- ups.
CAD The digital prototyping resolved a lot of problems in the three concepts. The concepts were fitted to the rack for the first time, looking at mounting points, measurements, and dimensions. Eleiko provided the access to a CAD model of the rack, which was crucial for the success of this phase.
Mock-ups Alongside the digital prototypes, mock-ups were constructed. The focus of the mock-ups was the functionality and test of general appearance dimensions, Figure 53 - Mock-up of Above and movement space. Using cardboard was a quick and easy to provide insights into thickness and geometry of the designs. Testing these models out with a combo rack further facilitated the understanding of movement space and where the lifter could place their hands and feet in relation to the safety mechanisms.
Figure 54 - Mock-up of Open
42 5.4.2 Three concepts Following is the result of the further development, presented individually.
Figure 55 - 3D model of Upscale Figure 56 - 3D model of Above
The Upscale concept is an evaluation of the early The Above concept is a concept that implements the concept ONE. It is an upscaled version of the safety use of heavy-duty nylon bands as the safety mechanism racks Eleiko makes for the bench press (figure 55). (figure 56). The concept is mounted on the uprights of It is a proven design, in a larger format with larger the rack and reaching over the barbell, enclosing it in a dimensions and some further tweaks. The safety bars are loop. This makes the solution harder to disengage from adjusted individually by the spotters. Removing one of laziness by the user. When the rack is set in its folded the uprights from the early concept was beneficial for in position, the safety straps adjust with it. Lifters with the usability and time to change height. The top of the their hand outside the uprights, can then have the strap upper horizontal beam is a covered in plastic, making run in between their arm and the barbell, eliminating the contact with the knurling of barbell less damaging. any risk of pinching between the barbell and strap. To At the back of the upper beam is a stopper fitted, counteract any risk of the rack falling over, extensions to limiting the rolling of the barbell. the legs of the rack were also constructed, increasing the footprint.
43 5.4.3 Concept selection Selection of the final concept was done in three steps, ensuring that the final concept fulfils the PDS. As well as being a viable and feasible option for Eleiko.
Weighting criteria matrix
Evaluation of the criteria set up in the design specification resulted in a weighting. As there were ten criteria, they were naturally given a score weight from one to nine, based on the weighting matrix. Full matrix can be found in appendix 6. The matrix shows that categories of lifters ability to execute the lift unhindered and safety was put well before design and visibility aspects, as seen in the weight of criteria in figure 58.
Figure 58 - Criteria weight Criteria Score Handle uneven load in faliure 9 Figure 57 - 3D model of Open High margin of error in range of motion 8 Accommodate all grip withs 7 The Open concept extends the rack out to something Accommodate wide foot stance 6 that more resembles a half open rack (figure 57). It Visibility of hip 4 implements a heavy-duty nylon strap as the safety Quick and easy to adjust 4 mechanism. The band attaches to the back upright pillar Maintain spotters’ position 3 and to the front upright, making the height adjustment of Not “Top-heavy” look 2 the band follow the height of the uprights. The bracket Follow design idiom and manufacturing 1 of the front mounting point sacrifices the first three holes methods of adjustability, having lifters shorter than 90 cm use the Minimum changes to exsisting 1 lower j-cups. The lower beams provide further support and extend the footprint of the rack significantly. components
44 Concept Selection Matrix for the lifter to perform the lift like they do today, and The weighted criteria were then brought to the next the design is slim and does not change the overall step of the concept selection, the selection matrix. The appearance of the structure. concepts were given a score from zero to three based on how well they fulfil the different criteria according to They also pointed out it was more interesting, as it is my conception. The score of the criteria was multiplied new and innovative to the sport and something they by the weight then gave the final score, as shown in have not considered before. figure 59. The results from both the concept selection matrix as well as the expert opinion pointed towards the Above Looking at the score, the Above concept stands out. concept. Therefore, it was chosen as the final concept Scoring high in criteria related to the lifters having their that would be brought to further development in the prerequisites unchanged. operation phase.
Expert opinion Eleiko was also brought in to give their opinion on the concept selection. CAD models were of the concepts were presented after the weighing process. They favoured the Above concept, because it allows
Figure 59 - Concept selection matrix Criteria Weight Upscale Above Open
Handle uneven load in failure 9 3 1 2
High margin of error in range of motion 8 1 3 2
Accommodate all grip withs 7 1 3 1
Accommodate wide foot stance 6 1 3 1
Visibility of hip 4 1 3 2
Quick and Easy to adjust 4 1 3 2
Maintain spotters’ position 3 2 3 2
Not “Top-heavy” look 2 3 1 2
Follow design idiom and manufacturing 1 3 1 1 methods Minimum changes to existing 1 3 1 1 components 74 109 75
45 5.5 Results from Operate Having done the final concept selection, the last phase of the project meant finalising the concept to meet its intended purpose. This was done using usability testing and material testing, as well as making the final design presentable to the client.
5.5.1 Product Usability Testing The mock-up of the Above concept was tested on a group of powerlifters, evaluating the usability (figure 60). The result was mostly positive feedback from the lifters. A good mapping of the product could be observed. As soon as the user started to adjust the rack to their height, they understood that the straps adjusts automatically. A couple of the lifters were concerned by the range of motion being too small before trying it out, afterwards they realised that it was sufficient. This validated that anthropometric assumption was correct, at least for the group of powerlifters testing it. Even though none of the participating lifters usually use the Figure 60 - Usability test of mock-up rack folded in, this was demonstrated and tested by one lifter, shown in figure 61.
Figure 61 - Usability test of mock-up
46 5.5.2 Material testing simulation only would have a 1,3 mm maximum The iterative process of FEM simulation and tweaking displacement, as shown in figure 62. And a maximum of the design resulted in a stronger construction. stress of 149 MPa, as shown in figure 63. The stress is Choosing larger diameter steel profiles, reducing located around the welds, which is a cause for concern the length of the lever as well as making some and must be evaluated further. Apart from that the reinforcements to minimize displacement and stress overall displacement and stress are acceptable in relation during maximum loads. The process included a handful to the idealisations that was done. of iteration that finalized the dimensions of the design. Resulting in a structure that according to the FEM
Figure 62 - Displacement
Figure 63 - Stress
47 5.6 Final Result straps underneath. In case of an unsuccessful attempt, The final product concept is an accessory to the Eleiko the straps are a physical barrier and limits further IPF Squat Stand/Bench. A safety solution comprised downward movement of the barbell which prevents the of two components that are attached to the existing athlete from getting injured. equipment, see figure 64. The solution implies minimal changes to the use of the original product, only adding a If the barbell is dropped or lowered below the vertical mechanical barrier which increases safety for all users. movement space of the lifter, the safety straps acts as a barrier on the shaft of the barbell, restricting further The first component is mounted on the uprights of downward movement. The straps sit inside the weight the squat rack. The upper metal beams reach over the disks, leaving the spotters space uncompromised, seen barbell and encloses the movement space with nylon in figure 65 and sigure 66.
Figure 64 - Final concept
48 Figure 65 - Final concept in use
Figure 66 - Final concept in use 49 When the rack is in the folded in-position, the straps visualized in figure 68. When the uprights are adjusted adjust automatically, folding in with the rack. As the to the height for each lifter, the height of the safety athlete grab the barbell outside the rack, the straps are straps follow, making further adjustments unnecessary. positioned in between the shaft of the barbell and the lifters arm, making the risk of pinching low (figure The movement space is dimensioned for the range 67) and the transition between lifters in competition of motion of the tallest lifter, which have the longest seamless. buttock-knee length and therefore the longest range of motion as presented earlier in the result chapter. The One significant benefit of the construction being automatic adjustment following change of rack height attached on the uprights is passive height adjustment, adjustment makes it viable for all lifters. The range of
Figure 67 - Folding in the uprights Figure 68 - Rack in highes and lowest position
50 motion of the straps are 80 cm. In exceptional cases, the The second component are extension legs (figure 69) straps can be disabled by removing one of the pins. which extends the footprint of the rack both backwards and to the sides (figure 70), which lowers the risk of A margin of safety is added to the range of motion, to the whole rack falling over. The sleeve of the extension ensure the lifter does not hit the bottom by mistake. The slides on the outside of the existing leg and screws into safety margin was set to a fourth of the diameter of a place. The extension legs also reuse the same feet as the weight disc. The straps allow the lifters to sway back rest of the rack, which are screwed into the extension and forward without obstructing the lift. The slack of legs. The extension legs are made of the same dimension the straps also contributes to further margin of error and of rectangular steel profiles that the rest of the base allow for a softer landing of the barbell in comparison uses. The product concept is targeted at competition with a metal beam as a mechanical barrier. use, where it assists the spotters in their duties without interfering with the foot position of the spotters.
Figure 69 - Extension legs
Figure 70 - Footprint
51 This accessory package is designed to be retrofitted on The first four holes for height adjustments was sacrificed combo racks from Eleiko. The design of the accessory to allow the retrofitting. This increases the lowest point package adheres to the Eleiko design idiom. Using for the upper j-hooks by 10 cm, to 116 mm. Lifters the same colours, dimensions of steel profiles, overall shorter with a shoulder hight lower than 116 cm have to matching the appearance of the combo rack. A customer make do with placing the barbell in the lower j-hooks, can therefore buy this package and increase the safety of which with the accessory installed has the lowest point squatting in an existing rack. To accomplish this, already of 850 mm, accommodating all lifters. existing holes are used for mounting points, as seen in figure 71. The package in easily installed by one person, screwing it in place for the first use. The nuts and bolts solution of attachment where chosen due to the need for stability and rigidness.
Figure 71 - Exploded view
Figure 72 - Extension legs unattached
52 The product aids in case of an instantaneous accident, where the spotters may not have time to react. Examples of this could be injury to the lifter, personal equipment failure or unexpected lifter behaviour. Further damage to both lifters and spotters is prevented by the mechanical barrier of the strap prevents the barbell.
The product also aids in case of a more controlled failure, for example when the spotters are not strong enough or positioned well to lift the weight. The barbell can be put down on the straps under control, letting the lifter escape the dangerous situation.
The product also aids the spotters in case of one side spotter making an error, either dropping or getting an insufficient grip on the barbell. The affected side spotter can then support the barbell on the strap, allowing the lifter to escape the potentially dangerous situation without experiencing severe sideward shearing forces. appearance of the combo rack.
53 Photo: Eleiko Figure 73 - Celebration 6. DISCUSSION
This chapter discusses the result in relation to the 6.1.2 Product Opportunity theory, its relevance for the user, company, and society. Ulrich & Eppinger (2012) describes product Further, a discussion about sustainability with a social, opportunities as a newly sensed need that can be economic, and ecologic standpoint is presented. Along filled. I would position the final concept on the border with some general reflections about the execution of the between innovation and, already developed technology project and finally recommendations for further work. being used in a new market described by Cross (2008). The concept is a new type of solution, something 6.1 Positioning the result that the sport has not seen and will have to get used In this section, the result is discussed based on the to if implemented. This without implementing any theory presented in chapter three. ground-breaking new technology, mainly using proven manufacturing techniques. How well Eleiko seizes this 6.1.1 Industrial Design Engineering opportunity will determine the success of a finished Following the description of industrial design product in the future. engineering provided by Johannesson et al. (2013) which positions it as the bridge between industrial 6.1.3 User Experience and Usability design and design engineering. The product Norman (2013) describes the user experience as development has been going back and forth between the an approach which takes the whole activity in different fields. The industrial design being represented consideration. The final concept has taken all aspects by the understanding of the user groups and their of squatting and all stakeholders of a powerlifting needs in the design process and the extensive creative competitions in consideration. The concept providing phase. Along with the design engineering aspect being a safer environment to squat in could improve the user represented in the work with the construction of parts, experience of squatting in competition by not having to material strength, and mechanical components. Being consider or worry about the consequences of failure. surrounded by mechanical engineers at Sigma provided me with a lot of knowledge which assisted me in the Using the usability definition Nielsen (2012) provides, implement and operate phases. which divides it in learnability, efficiency, memorability, errors, and satisfaction. By this definition, the concept
54 performs well. Not having changed the use of the 6.2 Relevance product that lifters are used to squatting in, the need for With this product, the spotters are assisted in their learning anything new minimal. Being able to prevent duties. Giving them a safe alternative if any of the further negative consequences from the scenarios spotter fail their duties. As the product is meant to catch described in the FTA, gives it good efficiency. Having barbells that comes falling, the need for the spotters to extremely low learnability, implies that the need for catch the weight from high velocities is eliminated. They memorability barely exists. The whole idea of the can rely on the safety mechanism to do the last stopping product is to minimize the errors, and the fallout of user power. The catastrophic consequences of a failure on errors. Finally, user satisfaction is something that must one side can easily be counteracted by letting the barbell be further evaluated, this is described in the further rest on one side while the spotters can adjust their grip development section. for a more advantageous lifting position. The passive hight adjustment minimizes the changes to the duties 6.1.4 Safety of the spotters. Not adding to the time of adjustment is Jordan (2000) describes product safety being comprised also crucial to keep a smooth-running competition with of two essential parts, protecting the users from making minimal waiting times between lifters. errors, and providing the users a way to recover from them. The concept accomplishes this by proving a safety The lifters on the other hand are given a safer net in form of a mechanical barriers that can minimize environment for self-fulfilment through performance, the effects of accident and help the spotters recover where they can push the limits of what the human body from errors. The mechanical barrier prevents the barbell is capable of squatting. from making further damage if an accident occurs, preventing the falling barbell to reach the hazard zone. The product solution could also add a false sense of It follows the recommendation provided by Myrcha & security for both lifters and spotters, making the lifters Gierasumiuk (2010), being robust in its construction, neglecting the risks of powerlifting. Even though the situated at an appropriate distance from the user, and product assists the safety, the sport still has risks that no not creating any additional hazards for the users by not product solution can get away from. The false sense of interfering with the hand placement of the lifter. security of the spotters could contribute to negligence of the importance of being concentrated and prepared. 6.1.5 Fitting the human Pheasant & Haslegrave (2006) describes the criteria of Eleiko as a well-known brand in the sport could also ergonomic adaptation includes functional efficiency, benefit from this product. By launching this product, ease of use, comfort, health and safety, and quality of they would further assist their goal to become “the working life. Having the final concept assisting the work number one strength company in the world”, staying at of the spotters provides a less loadbearing situations in the forefront of product development and innovation. case of accidents. Having a more secure environment Being first to market also have other benefits, a potential and lowering the risk of negative consequences of a user patent and economical gain. Having an accessory to the error provides the quality of work for the spotters. already appreciated Squat stand/Bench would further Using the biomechanical simplifications and enhance its attractiveness, potentially increasing sales. anthropometrics allowed having a solution which takes 98% of the population into consideration and utilizes The product could have an impact on the powerlifting passive height adjustment. This should be enough to community. Contributing to a safer environment to lift comfortably fit most lifters. can increase the attraction to the sport, as more people deems it as less dangerous. It can also contribute to a higher level of competition as lifters push themselves even harder. As the IPF takes the command of the
55 international powerlifting scene, a product that complies Ecological with their values could give them further recognition Having most of the construction made of steel allows for and open to new lifters that avoids competition based on a long lifespan, as wells as a possibility for recycling. their concern for safety. Having this product manufactured in Sweden also 6.3 Sustainability provides closeness to the raw material, which shortens transport distances. Having the straps made of nylon It is important to be aware of the both the positive makes provides an easily replaceable component that and negative implications of sustainability when can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. implementing the final product. Sustainability can be divided in three aspects: social, economic, and Even though the solution is developed to be used ecological. primarily in competition, the product can just as well be used as a training tool. This ensures that no product Social lays around being unused between competitions. The Having a safer setup for the squat may give the sport second-hand market for exercise equipment, especially of powerlifting more of social acceptance. Not only by when it comes to equipment used for powerlifting attracting more lifter but portraying the sport as a safer and weightlifting. Products form highly considered way to conduct strength training in general. This in manufacturers seems not to depreciate all that much, the long term, leading to more people having the squat giving users incentive to sell their equipment instead of in their training regimen which could contribute to a throwing it away when they no longer have use for it. stronger and more durable population. 6.4 Reflections about project The product concept has similar manufacturing I have enjoyed this project, my interest and insights methods to the combo rack, which is being produced in powerlifting have been a driving force of the work in Sweden. Producing this product could lead to more and I would love if I have made a small contribution to manufacturing jobs locally, which stimulates the social knowledge to the sport and exercise equipment industry. sustainability of domestic products. I believe that the scope was adequate as a master thesis project. In the end of the project I feel that I have gotten Economic as far as expected in the planning phase. Working more Creating an accessory to their own product can closely with Eleiko would have changed the setting of have great economic benefits for Eleiko. Adding the project and possibly the outcome as well. But the functionality to the existing product, increases the way the project was structured, I got an insight into the value and competitiveness of it. Further allowing for position of an engineering consultant, which can impact retrofitting provides the concept solution an already future career choices. existing market. The construction itself is inexpensive in material cost, manufacturing, and outsourced The selection of process model has supported the project components. Allowing for Eleiko to generate revenue well, providing guidelines along the way. As of many without investing in new technologies or manufacturing other projects, the time management was inadequate. techniques. Not only by selling the safety solution but This was the result of poor prediction of the long giving buyers of new combo rack further incentive to each activity takes, and not taking into consideration choose Eleiko. activities and tasks that emerges along the way. Having to extend the conceive phase far beyond its time limit to Being first to market with a product also provides fill some gaps in the understanding made the rest of the economic benefits, setting the standard for this type of development crammed up towards the end, not allowing product as well as getting a head start on the competition for more extensive testing. in aspects of market shares.
56 One flaw of the results viability is that the FEM analysis 6.5 Recommendations for further was only done in a very simplified scenario only development examining the steel beam part. The results are presented The delivery of this project is a conceptual product without knowing if the whole rack can withstand solution. Therefore, further development is needed to catching a heavy barbell. make it into an actual product. Following are some recommendation for further work. Having detail designed three concepts, it gives Eleiko the opportunity to go to any of the other concepts if they Constructing and testing load bearing prototype. The do not find my result being a viable option. material testing simulations have several limitations. Especially when performed on a low level with highly Having in the design phase taken the decision to create idealised situation. Making a load bearing prototype for an accessory instead of a stand-alone solution. one destructive testing would be necessary for verification question that I have come back to many times during the of the products viability, if the construction is not strong project; does the squat rack need a redesign all together? enough, the whole product is useless and needs re- Redefining the needs and requirements, for a more designing. Not only examining the material stresses of fluid, and safe environment overall. I cannot answer this the construction but also the mounting bolts and the pin question as it being outside the scope of the project. But that mounts the strap. My prediction is that the bolts its and interesting reflection, providing opportunities and pin will experience high shearing forces, something for future product innovation in the field of exercise which should be addressed. The dimensions used in the equipment. final concept is based on the bolts and pins already used in the combo rack. The range of motion of the final product is a fixed distance. The argument can be made that very short A load bearing prototype should also be used to perform lifters will have less support because of this. I see this further usability and user experience tests. Evaluating as a trade of for the lack of adjustment time and that it the user experience of dropping a loaded barbell on the puts the spotters in a more ergonomically advantageous mechanism is crucial to the usability, ensuring that no position with shorter lifters compared to taller lifters. unexpected bouncing happens. As well as examining the user experience of trying a personal record in the squat Something I have found lacking is statistics of using the mechanism to further evaluate its contributions powerlifting, how many lifters fail their attempts, and affects. how frequent accidents occur and how many failed attempts result in accidents. The result of this project The project has not investigated the exact range could then be benchmarked against the statistics of suppliers of nylon straps of this calibre. Their after implementation of the product in competition. implementation as a safety mechanism have been tested These statistics would also give a more accurate by competing brands in the exercise equipment business. risk assessment, providing frequency and severity to This shows the viability for this solution type. different accident types. Which could then be used to The next step of further development would be a target specific accident types that post the largest threats durability test that ensures that the product works for to the spotters and lifters. repeated failures without breaking. Using a moderate load and a large amount of loading cycles exposes eventual fatigue failures in the construction. This would also give an indication on how often the nylon straps needs to be replaced.
57 Not limiting on how far the lifter can walk the barbell out can imply some problems for the design. For some reason lifters tend to walk back way further than needed, for no apparent reason. The design of the final product can experience problems if the lifter stands to far back, increasing the risk of the whole rack falling over. Maybe some kind of communication design and theories of nudging can change the way the walk out is treated and performed when using the straps.
Another action that would be beneficial are construction of guidelines and instructions to spotters in competition. As of right now, the spotters solely rely on previous knowledge apart from what is written in the rule book. Hidden knowledge is hard to distribute and communicate. A more detailed instruction could help new organisers to educate their spotters in a more sufficient way, creating a safer competition environment.
58 Figure 74 - Squat 7. CONCLUSIONS
Following are the final conclusions from the project, in How might the design of the concept connection to the objectives & aims, as well as answers solution increase the safety, user experience, to the research questions formulated earlier. and usability for lifters and spotters in The objective of the project was to develop a physical powerlifting competition? product solution that increases safety in the powerlifting squat. This was fulfilled by creating a concept, that Using knowledge in safety, user experience, and according to the context immersion of the project would usability has given me the opportunity to create a increase the safety in the squat for both lifters and concept which improves the safety of both lifters and spotters. spotters on the platform, while having high usability and user experience that is associated with Eleiko. The aim of the project was to deliver a project concept This led to a product concept not like anything on the to Eleiko, including CAD models, rendering and market, without the need for complicated mechanisms recommendations for further development. This was and with a simple construction that puts squatting in accomplished by handing over the final concept as focus. a CAD file, including a poster with the renderings, product presentation and the recommendations for further development.
59 How does safety impact the user experience of squatting?
The context immersion included interviews with lifters from different background. They expressed their feelings and prerequisites towards squatting. The feelings of anxiousness, nervousness, and anticipation was recurrent among those questioned. These feelings stem from reflections on physical readiness for competition and ability to hit depth builds up before a competition.
The experienced lifters also expressed a trust in the spotters, that must be built up. Either by knowing the people spotting you in competition or having to evaluate them out before it is your turn to lift in a competition. However, the less experienced lifter seems to trust in the spotters’ abilities to perform their duties.
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62 Appendix 1: Gantt
i Appendix 2: Interviews The interviews are transcribed and translated by Magnus Wikström.
Interview 1: Björn Welde – Product Development B: The rebranding of the company was not related to Roy Manager Simonson who started the new look on product development in 2017, when de made a line-up of products which M: What is your position in the company? incorporated a new design idiom. B: I am manager of the product development team here at M: What relation did he have to the company? A project Eleiko. employment? M: What academic background do you have? B: It was a limited time gig, for that project. His task was to B: I have studied Interaction design in Malmö, as well as deliver a range of products. Biomedicine, physical exercise in Halmstad. M: How do you work with the design idiom that he has set? M: How does Eleiko work with the design process? Are you Are there moodboards, styleboards etc.? following any specific model? B: Our challenge has been to build a design guideline B: Yes, we have I newly developed design process, from the design idiom. Along with brand, marketing, and implemented late last year. It’s based on a Gantt-scheme communication in the same design guideline. A document that and implements a stage gate approach. The workflow starts is not ready yet, but it something we are working on. with a simple idea, or vision which goes through an approval M: What is the desired user experience of your product? What process at every gate. The approval process is based on a feeling and experience does your product give the user? comity where members of staff from different departments B: Safety and simplicity. We measure our products in terms of are represented. Phases of the process are idea, specification, safety, quality, and performance. Performance being, a simple prototype, test & evaluation, and industrialization. The idea is solution, not hitting your leg by accident while loading etc. to scrap unpromising projects early in the process before they Safety features being easy to adjust. Quality being that the start costing the company money. equipment should work just as well after five years of use at M: How is the team of product developers comprised, any the gym. special talents & qualifications? M: How does Eleiko work with evaluation? User tests? Focus B: We the product development team consists of six people, groups? four mechanical designers, one development engineer B: It’s different in different projects. If the project involves (industrial design), one fabricator who create protypes. any types of patent, the user testing is mostly internal. This is M: Where on the market does Eleiko stand? Can you place a dilemma. It is difficult if you want to develop something that yourselves on a price-performance chart? will be patented while conducting genuine user tests. Products B: We are on top of price and on top of performance and that are not going to be patented, we work with customers, quality. We deliver number one strength equipment in the mainly gyms that are Eleiko certified training facility. Often, world. Producing in Sweden, as much as possible. We also we test products that are very safe and almost finished, an oak work hard with sustainability and quality, adhering to quality platform for weightlifting for example. with a minor design standards. update, we are so confident in the prototype. Summarized, we M: So, no compromises? You would never sacrifice quality or use different levels of user testing, based on the product. performance for a lower price? M: In the internal testing, do you use staff from other parts of B: No, never. That is not the market we strive to compete in. the company? M: How does Eleiko explain their legacy and status in the B: Yes, we usually do interviews, user tests, silent interviews. lifting community? Silent interviews where we give the user a product, a barbell B: We have a long history in strength sports, being pioneers in collar for example. The letting them use it in the gym while some of the technologies. Having set the standard of weight observing their actions, to reduce. Followed up by interviews, disc colours, how long a barbell should last likes/dislikes, ask about function the user might have missed. M: How would you explain why Eleiko are in a position to M: Following up on a conversation we had earlier about the conduct this type of project? cultural and political aspects of the sport. How can the design B: Our partnerships with the international weightlifting work of my project be handled to avoid the final product federation, international powerlifting federation and world being a monolift? para powerlifting, along with being the oldest in the fitness B: I’ll try to answer that question like this. We serve three realm, therefore we have the biggest legacy. We have set sports, Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Para powerlifting. standards before and have the most eminent products made Focusing on powerlifting, which as the other two have a lot of for competition. Therefore, we are a suitable candidate do this political influence. It is an organisation, with a long history, type of project. with cultural aspects from its competitors. The monolift as M: Three years ago, you launched a new design idiom, what a solution for alternative powerlifting federation, mainly in did that process look like? the US. There is a stigma associated with that type of product and federation, they take shortcuts in the application and they
ii actively chose to compete in a federation other than the IPF. mass to withstand the external forces. It can fall over, for If you compete in the IPF you usually deprecate from other example. Spectator wise, you don’t want to go the direction federations, maybe because they don’t control doping and of having lifters standing inside some mechanical structure, equipment in the same way. obstructing the view of the spectators even further. That some M: Agree what you are saying, it is certain that IPF are the of the reasons we have not perused it further. strictest in all aspects, rules wise, equipment wise and anti- M: The previous version of the IPF squat stand/bench, when doping wise. Is that you have a partnership with them? was is launched? The one before the version launched one B: Absolutely, based on the reasons you just mentioned. It’s year ago. the most international federation. You can have different S: Before 2010 we had a combo rack that was fully welded, opinions on the powerlifting in the Olympics, but if there is which limits transportation. In 2010 we did a “knock- one federation that has the option to go that far, it’s the IPF. down” of the previous product, putting it in a box fitted for a pallet. As a result of this, it took off sales wise, mostly Interview: Stefan Berg – Technical director, because of shipping benefits. From 2010 forward we have competitions incrementally improved it, until a year ago when the larger update was launched. Before 2010 we hade a combo rack that M: Who are you and what is your position in the company? looked almost identical. I don’t know when they went into S: My name is Stefan Berg, I’ve been at Eleiko since 2010. production, it was before my time here. A wild guess would I’m a mechanical engineer. Since I started, I’ve been working be in 2005-2006. with product development and production for Eleiko, with the M: So, the one for sale right now is the version three? If you products for competition use as my focus. My duties today look at the larger updates. are the competition product for the IWF, IPF and WPPO, S: Yes, in modern times it would be the third large update. But having contact with the different federations, and ensure we have constantly tweaked and updated the product since that the sports are driven forward with the right products. 2010. I’m traveling to larger competitions as well, making sure M: Is there a possibility for retrofitting, have they changed everything works as intended, and learning from problems anything throughout the revisions? that may occur along the way. S: That is correct, the uprights are backwards compatible for M: What does your design process look like? What I’ve all generations. Unlike the safety racks for bench press, the understood, you work mostly in project, is that correct? have gone through a couple of changes. Mainly in the last S: You could say that every product becomes its own project. update, with new steel profiles and a slimmer look. You get a task, the you develop a plan, following a stage M: What did the development of the last generation look like? process. A project does not have its own individual budget. S: Since 2010 I’ve travelled to many competitions and been If the development reaches any larger costs, you discuss it involved in the powerlifting world. After every competition, with the team. Usually projects have a specific budget, but we I see and hear things that I want to change. I summarize it don’t work like that here. as a report before tweaking the product, new racks are then M: What does the partnership with IPF look like? Are sold and make it to competitions where I observe the results. you the only one from Eleiko who are responsible for that This iterative process goes on constantly. Some of the larger partnership? changes have been put on hold due to various reasons. A S: I am one of the responsible, along with the sales manager couple of years ago the company decided to change the of that area, Andreas Andersson. He also works with the IPF. design idiom. With round profiles, new colour scheme, more My connection with the IPF is mainly when I’m traveling to details, ability to create more detailed products with features competitions, where I speak to the members of their technical etc. Having that as a foundation, the work of crating the new committees. If something needs discussing, it is me or combo rack was not difficult. Along with that, we wanted to Andreasson who are responsible for that connection. be innovative, creating new solutions that could be patented. M: I’ve got the feeling that there is no critical demand for a Then we looked at what operations of the combo racks are safe solution for the squat, but a request to develop a safety difficult and potentially dangerous. We found the fold in solution, is that correct? Can you elaborate more on that? mechanism needed improvement. The previous version S: We have investigated it, multiple times before, but never required a whole group of spotters to life, kick, and push, reached any ideas that worth developing. One reason being while the barbell is rocking back and forth. We thought that that there has not been enough demand for a safety solution. look life threatening and desired to create a mechanism that If you look at the safety features in the bench press, if you could solve the problem. The result was the lever, which drop the barbell, you are stuck underneath the barbell. If you simplifies the fold-in operation. It had a lot of benefits, drop the barbell in the squat, is just falls to the floor, nothing primarily lowered operation time and improved safety. We drastic really happens. So, we haven’t found the demand for also wanted to implement the ached profiles. This was done it. In training, if you’re uncertain of your ability, you can through a lot of sketching. Its hard to have arched uprights, always use a power rack that accommodates a safety solution. they needed to be implemented where they would fit. I have In training there are also other ways to solve the problem always thought the bench to be unstable. You know how much of safety. Along with that, the rack is not the most stable people bench, if there is a giant man weighing 120 kgs, the platform to attach things to. A safety solution will probably bench must be extremely stable. Our focus was to accomplish be high, wide, and deep. The construction of the rack is not a three-legged design, which is very stable. We also identified really dimensioned for any attachment, but what do I know, a problem with wear and tear on the pad of the bench. This the solution could be attached to the ceiling. Its not really that was improved using polyurethane in a whole new design. easy to attach something to the rack, it doesn’t have enough Also adding a chrome finish and knurling on all contact
iii surfaces to improve usability. We also identified a need for a screw is tightened properly, and everything is loose. The larger movement space for bench press, making safety racks worst-case scenario is that someone gets injured because of it. slimmer and tighter. The fact that Eleiko strive to be the best, To avoid getting the blame for poor assembly, we preassemble and to deliver the best possible product. We also added plastic most of the components and use a larger packaging. Then we pads for sound dampening and lower wear on the knurling. can be sure that all the intricate parts are screwed together M: In summary, the improvements are identified through user correctly. We willing to sacrifice shipping size and costs to observations? ensure safety. S: That’s correct, the problems that I identify and hear about M: Have I understood this right, your user tests are mostly at are boiled down and then we figure out solutions. The launch competitions? of the new combo rack was a gathering of updates. S: Before we send protypes for user testing at competitions, M: You mentioned earlier that you have looked at squat safety we usually build a couple of protypes and test them internally. before. What made you end that project? We have a workshop and a gym downstairs, as well as some S: People have had ideas before about products that could decent lifters in-house. Usually the changes we make to improve squat safety, but we didn’t develop any of them products are incremental, never anything that compromises further. We could not see the economic viability and decided the products quality. When going from 8 mm to 10 mm in to focus on developing more promising product ideas. thickness of a material, the change doesn’t need to be tested, M: Let’s speculate. If my final concept would be implemented you know its stronger. and launched as its own product, how would you go about M: How would I explain the legacy, status, and reputation of launching it? Eleiko to non-lifters? S: We would have launched it at an international competition. S: The sports we are talking about are very small. We have That’s how we usually do it. We usually test the products for a long time been a part of the community. We are very inhouse until we are confident enough for competition testing, responsive. We never tell anyone we have the best product, then we send them to a high-level competition for their first we let the quality of our products speak for us. We listen to exposure. Like we did with the generation three, the first time everyone, even those who talk trash. If we find something it was used was at the world championship in Helsingborg. that’s important for the sport, in aspects of safety and speed. I am used to launching products this way. We are now If you look at the IPF, they strive to reach Olympic status, launching a new platform for weightlifting; it will be teste at something we want to help them with, as much as possible the European championships in Russia. We are sending them through delivering better products. We are not only making a product with small updates that we have not tested before in benches and racks, we look at the whole picture. We deliver competition, and we are certain it will perform well. We could the platforms, and instead of using various rugs to create a pick local competitions, but it’s not really representative. You competition venue, we deliver a uniform floor solution, which need 600 top class lifters in one go to test the durability of the is suitable for tv etc. We also demand a backdrop which product. matches the rest, with our logo on. Everything needs to be M: Further into the partnership with the IPF, how does it uniform, from the shoes people wear to hiding of electrical work? Do you call them, or do they call you? cables and making sure that the lifter and their performance S: It goes both ways. Most of the time, we have spoken about are in focus. If you look at WPPO, they are way ahead, certain problems beforehand. They have presented some having all competitions look the same regardless of location. thoughts and ideas. Before my time, we made a squat bar that They use the same lighting, venue layout, camera angles etc. was longer and would support higher loads. When Eleiko Compared to the IPF, where the quality is just not the same. presented it, they changed their minds, and stuck with using They are improving but have a long way to go. Something one barbell for all three disciplines. Mostly we are the driving that we want to be a part of, delivering good looking products force behind the partnership, product development wise. that match each other, including platforms, racks, clothing We have representatives at all major competitions and hear etc. We have gone from a form follows function design to a the small talk of the lifters. In the last revision of the combo position where we could offer more appealing designs without rack, the IPF were barely involved. We made the decision to compromising on performance. A great parallel is table tennis, switch to a polyurethane pad. We haven’t made any changes where the tables have drastically improved visually over the to measurements, keeping it within the parameters of the rule last generations. If you look at the next world championships book. We have taken the opportunities that it presents. Using in table tennis, the table is something completely different plastic pads for sound dampening, for example. We have tried from the once we had in our basement. Today the tables to make it faster, implementing the levers and less screws to look like they are levitating, accompanied by lighting etc. attach the bench and the bench press safety racks. Eleiko as a company wants to be the driving force behind this M: So, you have created individual controls for each development of powerlifting. operation? M: On the topic of federations, politics, and preconceptions, S: Correct. Before when tilting the uprights, you were what should I have in mind when designing my solution? To supposed to tighten and lift, no one new how to do it correctly, avoid it being a monolift? not even us. We also started delivering the combo rack with S: That’s a hard question, we have discussed this in the past. I more parts assembled, so it’s just a couple of pieces that is don’t have a good answer. more easily assembled. Before, the combo rack wad sold totally unassembled, with bearings, screws, etc. that had to be assembled by the customer. Usually there is a lack of tools at competition venues, and the racks are assembled by hand. Are they going to use this at a world championship? Not a single
iv Interview 3: Patrik Hedqvist – Powerlifter based on the fear of the repercussions? P: No, never felt the need to do that. M: Who are you? M: Have you have had to drop the barbell in competition? P: I’m Patrik Hedqvist, Luleå Athletes club, born 1975. P: No. M: And you don’t live in Sweden anymore, is that correct? M: Do you have any other experience of accidents? Have you P: That is correct, I currently live in Dubai. watched any competitors, lifters you coach etc. being involved M: And, what are you doing there? in some kind of accident? P: I run a powerlifting/weightlifting club, called Desert P: I watched a local lifter from Öjebyn, I can’t remember his Barbell. name at the moment, whose suite blew out in the bottom of M: How long have you been into powerlifting? the squat and the bar came rolling over his head. P: Competition wise since 2002, started strength training M: Then the barbell hit the floor? 1992. P: Yes, instantaneous. The spotters couldn’t do anything about M: What are your best lifts in competition with and without it. When he hit the hole, the suit blew out in the back and the equipment? bar can flying over his head. It’s for those situations a better P: 305 kg in equipment and 250 kg without equipment. system is desirable. M: Did you start competing with equipment right away? M: In training, do you prefer to squat in an open rack or in a P: I started with bench press only, did my first competition in power rack? powerlifting with equipment in 2005-2006. Compted until my P: I prefer to squat in an open rack. last equipped Swedish nationals in 2011 or 2012, about 6-7 M: And then you use spotters? years. Totally about 60 competitions. P: I usually use spotters. I can’t give you a specific weight, M: Let’s move on to the squat, what is the feeling in your it depends on the number of reps. Previously, I’ve been bad body before the first squat in competition? at asking for a spot, back then I would never ask for a spot P: I’m usually nervous about not hitting depth. It differs below 220 kgs. between classic and equipped. In equipment, it’s more a M: Do you experience any benefits from having people concern of not being able to get low enough. In classic lifting, spotting you? that feeling is less prominent, you will probably hit depth. The P: I experience a performance boost from it. Many people idea is to show the referees that you can hit depth. want to squat without spotters so that they must push M: What goes through your head when you’re walking the bar themselves even harder if they don’t have any spotters, I’m out in competition? the complete opposite of that. P: The feeling is different in competition, compared to I’ve only failed one squat in my life. It was in 1995, I missed training. In competition, I get tunnel vision, which I never 150 kgs, went down on my knees and dumped the bar in the experience in training. Then I just try to focus on the head arms of the back spotter. Haven’t missed a squat since. If I referee, and the commands. In the periphery, I cannot see feel like I’m going to fail, I just cut the depth and then I’m anything, it’s pretty odd actually. fine. M: What does the attempt selection process look like? Large or small jumps between attempts? Interview 4 – Angelica Brage, Powerlifter P: Previously, I’ve made smaller jumps. Nowadays, when I coach others and for myself, I try to make a larger jump M: Who are you? between first and second, and a bigger jump between second A: My name is Angelica Brage, I’ve been competing in and third. powerlifting for roughly twelve years. And have competed M: How do you manage risk in attempt selection? Do you both nationally and internationally. I have competed both have a pre-determined plan that you strictly follow? Can you classic and equipped and in bench press only competitions. pass on your third if your second was close to the limit or do Overall, I have 12 gold medals at Swedish nationals, three you go for a third anyways? gold and one bronze medal from European championships, P: Usually I have a plan for all three lifts. I have a framework, and one silver and one gold medal from world championships. which is coherent with what many others do. You should be These are my highest achievements. Been active in the able to do a heavy set of three with the weight of your first Swedish national team for about ten years, but I am not active attempt, your second attempt should be manageable and your any longer. Today I train for powerlifting, at the moment third should be a personal best or close to a personal best, without competing. Today, I instead work with powerlifting. depending on the goal of the competition. Coaching lifters on every level, from lifter in the national M: Have you ever been concerned about the repercussions of team to beginners that aim to start competing. failing an attempt? M: For reference, what is your best competition squat? P: No, not really. Do you mean physically? A: In the -57 kg weight class I have done 182,5 kg and in the M: Yes, what would happen if you can’t make the lift? -52 kg weight class I’ve done 175. P: Sometimes in equipment. I have never been to a M: Knowing you, I understand these are equipped numbers, competition where the I’ve felt that the spotters cannot be what are you best classic lifts? trusted. I’ve had the benefit of having spotters you trust, A: I don’t remember. I really think I should know this. Maybe in most case knowing at least one of spotters. I have never about 125 kg in competition. squatted equipped at an international competition. At local M: What’s the feeling in your body before the first squat in and national level in Sweden, I usually know someone in the competition? Thoughts, feelings? spotter team. A: For my part, that has always produced a lot of nervousness. M: Following that, have you ever selected a lower weight Sometimes to the point where I feel nauseous. Except of the
v most recent years, the first squat in competition has been when I know the set will be challenging. associated with discomfort and fear. M: Fear of? Not being in shape? Not getting it to click? Interview 5 – Hilda From, Powerlifter A: It stems from it being the lift that initiates the whole competition. I would not argue that it’s the decisive lift M: Who are you? because you have eight more lifts, but it sets the pace and H: My name is Hilda From, compete for Luleå and been mood of the competition. For me, it’s more a fear of the competing for one and a half years. Have been training for feeling, not the actual performance. I’ve always been mentally powerlifting for about five years. Competed in both classic prepared for competitions, and I know that performing well bench press and classic powerlifting. is the only option. The emotional tension can create physical M: So, no experience in equipped lifting? shakiness, increases heart rhythm, and sweating. H: No. M: What goes through your head when you’re walking the bar M: For reference, What is your best squat? out in competition? H: Best squat in competition is 102,5 kgs and 107,5 kgs in A: That’s the most intense part. As I grab the barbell, all the training. Both in weight class -72 kgs. nervousness and anxiousness turn into self-confidence and M: What’s the feeling in your body before the first squat in security in my own performance and ability to do the task competition? Thoughts, feelings? ahead. H: I felt the adrenaline pumping and didn’t feel much of M: What does the attempt selection process look like? Large anything. The only thing I knew was that I was going out on or small jumps between attempts? the podium to lift. A: In has changed throughout my own competitive career. In M: What goes through your head when you’re walking your a championship setting, the weight selection is mostly based first squat out in competition? on my own performance but also on the competition. The H: The weight of the barbell was familiar, I felt secure in my attempt selection also varies between equipped and classic. own ability and I felt that there was only one thing to do. In equipment, I usually go a first jump of 10 kgs, sometimes M: What does the attempt selection process look like? Large more. And for the third, between 2,5 and 10 kgs. The first or small jumps between attempts? attempt is usually I can hit for three reps in training. H: It varies between the lifts. In the squat I would say that I M: Have you ever been concerned about the repercussions of take small jumps. The squat is the lift where I’m least likely to failing an attempt? take risks, due to the safety concern. A: Not in competition, I’ve been fortunate to get good teams M: Have you ever been concerned about the repercussions of of spotters on all competition, evaluating the spotters before failing an attempt? In both competition and training? it’s my time to compete. But I’ve experienced it in training. H: Yes You cannot always train with the best spotters available. M: How does it affect you? However, I’ve been more concerned for other peoples safety, H: It affects me before the lift. During the lift that thought especially for the people I coach. doesn’t is less prominent. M: Have you have had to drop the barbell in competition? M: Have you ever doubted the spotters’ ability to correct an A: Thankfully, no. unsuccessful attempt? M: Do you have any other experience of accidents? Have you H: No watched any competitors, lifters you coach etc. being involved M: Has the attempt selection been affected by the in some kind of accident? repercussions of failing? A: Multiple times. At one competition I attended, a lifter H: The thought went through my head when selecting my from Austria who had some kind of medical condition which third attempt, having failed my second attempt in my first made him faint very easily. As the pressure in your body competition. increases with a heavy barbell on your shoulders, when M: Do you have any other experience of accidents? Have you he started to walk out, he faints. The spotters wasn’t ready watched any competitors, lifters you coach etc. being involved and he fell to the floor, ending up underneath the barbell. in some kind of accident? Thankfully, the weight discs were large enough to no to crush H: Yes. his head between the floor and the shaft of the barbell. In M: Any specific incident? my experience, the spotters are not always prepared in the H: One side spotter could not reverse the weight, catch it in walkout, where accidents could occur due to fainting, balance a proper way and get the barbell safely back in the rack. The issues etc. I’ve also witnessed spotters that weren’t fast lifter got stuck underneath, with uneven load. enough, side spotters that lift unevenly, and spotters that just M: In training, do you prefer to squat in an open rack or in a wasn’t strong enough to lift the weight and transport it to the power rack? rack. H: Open rack. M: In training, do you prefer to squat in an open rack or in a M: For any specific reason? power rack? H: Not really, it’s a better experience. I prefer to have spotters A: Nowadays, I train by myself without any safety equipment around me and free floorspace around me instead of a safety or spotters. Mostly because I’m training at a level which rack. doesn’t challenge me enough. Earlier in my career, if I trained M: How do you use spotters in training? alone, I always opted to squat in a power rack. I prefer to have H: Less than I should. Only then I deem it necessary, spotters that I trust. Then I can focus on the task ahead and preferably with one spotter on each side. not the repercussions of failure. Even though I know that I’m M: Do you experience any benefits from having people capable I like the reassurance of having people around me spotting you?
vi Yes, some performance boost, having someone else holding When it gets to over 300 kgs, its not so fun to try to catch the me accountable. barbell. M: What does the contact with the referees look like during a Interview 6 – Patrik Winbjörk, Spotter competition? M: For the record, who are you? P: The head of the spotters and loaders-team signals to the P: My name is Patrik Winbjörk. Powerlifter in the last ten head referee when they have loaded the barbell and adjusted years ago and have been strength training for 24 years. I’ve the rack. Some sporadic contact occurs when they’ve been competing since 2010 and in that time, I’ve competed at identified an error. You must also listen to the command from Swedish nationals about eight times. In those competition I’ve the head referee before making contact with the barbell. There taken silver three times in classic bench press. is always a balance of actions. When you see the lifter is M: Being a spotter is obviously not an occupation and is staring to fail but the referee hasn’t given the command yet. mostly done by volunteers in powerlifting clubs. But you have Sometimes your gut feeling has to dictate here. been in the game a long time and I know you’ve helped out M: Have you witnessed any accidents? Primarily as a spotter, in many competitions. What level of competitions have you but also as a lifter? worked as spotter at? P: Haven’t watched any accidents, but I’ve seen some P: Mostly local competition, but also regional competitions. unpleasant incidents over the years. Lifter dropping barbells M: How is the experience of the spotters at a competition? etc. P: Generally, it’s very nervous. A lot of things to keep track of M: Any specific ones that comes to mind? and a lot of things that can go wrong. Everything has to work P: We had an incident at the last competition I volunteered smoothly. You really don’t want to make a fool out of yourself at. One lifter fell forward, the barbell fell down and the or commit any mistakes. Especially if it wrecks someone lifter made half a somersault. That’s the most resent I can else’s ability to perform. remember. I also remember one lifter that dropped the barbell M: Do you have any examples of things that can go wrong? backwards in the squat, the back spotter tried to catch it in his P: Everything from hight adjustments of the uprights and armpits while the side spotters were adjusting their position. safety racks for the loading. And when your spotting, you In bench press, the incidents are far less common. Some have to be careful not to take the barbell before the referee has people are unfortunately putting the safety rack way to low, so given the command, being careful not to touch the barbell. they don’t help. The safety racks for the bench press are very M: How does a day of spotting and loading affect you? efficient in my opinion. P: You experience a lot more soreness than when your competing, that’s for sure. The weights you lift are small but you lift them so many times, it adds up pretty quick. I usually experience soreness in my back and hands, they take a beating. M: Have you been schooled in spotting and loading? P: If I remember correctly, it was a five-minute intro before the first competition I volunteered at. After that, I’ve mostly been self-taught, while passing the information on to new volunteers. M: Noting official learning material or instructions? P: Nothing like that. M: We discussed earlier the fears and nervousness. I would like to explore more on that, what kinds of fears do you have as a spotter? P: First of all, the fear of making errors and doing thing that lead to others making errors. There is also a fear for the safety the team of spotters. Usually, it’s volunteers that jump in at the last second. In my experience, there are rarely any briefings before. And if there are, they are usually not very profound. Its not uncommon that the working order is set as the first group of lifters is doing their first attempts. Maybe a test round for the spotter and loader team would be beneficial, to sort out any problems ahead and establish who is most suited for which position. M: What’s the experience like to spot new lifters? Beginners or people that you are unfamiliar with? P: Everyone is lifting differently, with different speeds and styles. Its harder to guess how a lift might go if you never have seen the athlete lift before. If you know the lifters style, it’s easier to adapt. But if you’ve never seen them before, you have to be very watchful, and be on your guard in the first round. When the weights get really heavy, you start to worry about not only the lifter but the spotters and your own safety.
vii Appendix 3: OWAS
Side spotter 1
Side spotter 2
Back spotter
viii Appendix 4: Benchmarking
ix Appendix 5: Dot voting result
Appendix 5: Dot voting & feedback
x Appendix 6: Dot voting result
xi