Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka by Soyoung An

Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka by Soyoung An is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma in Ibikoresho bya Siporo Competition Category.

IcyumaIbikoresho bya Siporo· 2025

Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka

by Soyoung An

Client: Above

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma Winner in Ibikoresho bya Siporo Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka

Hejuru harerekana umupira w'ubwenge wo kwiruka wagenewe imyitozo ngororamubiri mu rugo. Iyi gikoresho gihuza indorerwamo y'ubwenge n'umujyanama w'ubwenge bw'ikoranabuhanga uhindagurika ukurikije uburyo butandukanye bwo kugenda n'imiterere y'umubiri. Amakamera n'ibikoresho byumva bipima ingano y'umubiri, uburyo bwo kugenda, uburemere, umuvuduko w'umutima ndetse n'igipimo cy'ubunini bw'umubiri (BMI). Umujyanama akoresha amakuru yakusanyijwe kugira ngo asesengure uburyo bwo kugenda maze atange inama z'imyitozo ihariye. Amatara afite imiterere y'ibirenge ari kuri uwo mupira ayobora intambwe n'umuvuduko. Ukuboko kw'impande n'agasanduku k'ibikoresho gasunikwa bifasha mu myitozo y'imbaraga hamwe n'inama ku miterere y'umubiri mu gihe nyacyo. Inzira nkoranyambaga n'amakarita asangiwe bituma habaho imyitozo rusange hamwe n'abandi.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma

Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma, ishimwe ry'agaciro ritangwa ku bishushanyo byiza bihuza ibyo umwuga n'inganda bikeneye ku bihangano byashushanyijwe neza. Abegukanye icyuma bagaragaza ubuhanga bukomeye, ubumenyi bwihariye, imyumvire y'inzobere n'ubushobozi bwo guhanga bw'ababikoze. Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka biteganyijwe ko izaba igihangano cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifatika kandi gifite udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye icyuma gihuza uburyo bwiza bukoreshwa mu nganda kandi gifite ibiranga bya tekiniki bifite ubushobozi, bifatanye n'ubumenyi n'impano. Above Umupira w'Ubwenge wo Kwiruka yubahwa kubera gukora neza, kandi yashushanyijwe kugira ngo inoze ubuzima, ifashe gutuma isi iba nziza.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The treadmill integrates a smart mirror and AI coach, catering to diverse walking patterns and body shapes. It employs cameras and sensors to assess body size, gait, weight, heart rate, and BMI. The AI coach utilizes this data to conduct gait analyses and suggest personalized exercise programs. Users can design virtual running routes, accrue credits, and participate in social workouts. Additionally, it supports strength exercises with arm and toolbox aids, providing real-time posture feedback. The accompanying app offers challenges, tips, and community engagement features.
Dimensions & Packaging: The ABOVE system measures 1965mm x 824mm x 2070mm. The left side of the smart mirror features AI cameras and sensors that analyze motion, temperature, and facial expressions. The side arm aids in strength training. An automatic sliding toolbox on the left houses strength training parts, weight balls, bands, and a foot arch massaging roller. The curl band handles have pressure sensors for posture correction. Motion capture and AI cameras below the mirror analyze walking patterns. The handle includes an AI coach call button for interactive guidance.
Tags: Smart Treadmill, Smart Mirror, AI Coach, Walking Pattern, Personalization, Workout, Socialization, AI
Production Technology: The ABOVE system is divided into three parts. The first includes a smart mirror and a workout toolbox. Cameras and sensors on the left detect expressions, emergencies, exercise satisfaction, body temperature, and posture. The second part is the smart track, which measures weight and uses pressure sensors to analyze gait. Foot-shaped lights guide the user to the correct stride and speed. AI analyzes this data along with motion capture from sensors and cameras. The third part is a handle with buttons for easy control, managed through AI coach conversations.
Design Challenge: In the initial ideation phase, I considered more futuristic designs, such as a transparent front display for an immersive exercise experience. We also envisioned expandable sides for additional tools and a bench for a resting area. However, these focused more on aesthetics rather than solving current issues. Therefore, I prioritized understanding user pain points in walking and running experiences on treadmills. The proposed design remains conceptual, and while it accounts for current technological feasibility, production viability is uncertain. I anticipate discussions on cost and pricing in the production phase, despite the prototype's potential significance.
Research: This project involved desk research, academic papers, and a market review. People have unique body shapes and distinctive gaits due to lifestyle, habits, and genetic or acquired factors. Gait characteristics are critical biometric data, even used in identifying criminals. However, not everyone walks or runs with correct posture. Modern lifestyles often lead to spinal deformities, inward-turning feet, and forward head posture. Incorrect posture during exercise perpetuates physical imbalances, affects foot shape, and hinders muscle development and weight loss. While gait analysis is typically used in rehabilitation at hospitals, there is a growing need for easy home-based exercise solutions to maintain proper gait and body balance.
Inspiration: During a brief break from the gym workout, observations were made of treadmill users engaging in walking or running. Notably, each individual exhibited distinct movement patterns and varied body shapes. Some displayed improper posture or unusual gait possibly due to physical imbalances, which remained consistent throughout their exercise sessions. Research reveals that persistent exercise with such imbalances can worsen physical asymmetry over time.
Project Duration: This project started in March 2024 and finished in June 2024 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Operation Flow: Before using the ABOVE system, the AI coach gathers the user's biometric data. Users follow the guide on a smart mirror, standing on a sensor-lit track to measure weight, height, and BMI. The system then conducts a walking analysis to diagnose and correct gait issues, offering training for proper walking and personalized cardio and strength exercise plans for weight management. Users can discuss and customize their workout plans with the AI coach. Additionally, users can engage in virtual walking/running on a community-generated map, share exercise tips, and receive real-time feedback from the AI coach for strength exercises using the Arm and workout box.
Team Members: Soyoung An (Solo)
Image Credits: #1 : Product designer Soyoung An, 2024
#2 : Product designer Soyoung An, 2024
#3 : Product designer Soyoung An, 2024
#4 : Product designer Soyoung An, 2024
#5 : Product designer Soyoung An, 2024
Video Credits : Product designer Soyoung An, 2024