DANNIELLE TARLINTON
MODBOX
GROUP PROJECT
To design ‘new to the world’ accessories for the modified boxing program ‘ModBox’.
10 WEEKS
THE PROBLEM
Boxing is a sport surrounded by controversies and health risks. This aside, the sport is still popular. There are several physical benefits to a sport such as boxing, but they often overshadowed by the risks. To encourage safe participation, modified boxing programs have been developed.
Paul Perkins and Allan Hahn run and develop a program called MODBOX. A modified version of boxing that aims to provide an accessible, safe and fun version of boxing. They strive to build safer and healthier communities through the physical fitness program.
To continue developing the program, they approached us to design new equipment to assist in the running of the program. The challenge is to create ‘New-to-the-world’ accessories for the program. These products had to have a clear focus on participant safety and enjoyment and engage users within the broad age range of 10-60 years.
THE SOLUTION
Two products were designed for the program. The “Pulse” - rope-less skipping handles, and the “Beat” - modified boxing bag. These products have been designed to enhance the MODBOX training program. A new an interactive system has been integrated with the products to engage the community. The aim is to improve their fitness, provide fun training activities, and be easily stored or transported.
The products have been designed to be used either alone or together. Both products have a built in tracking functionality that is capable of storing and logging the user’s fitness data. This will be recorded during training session or tournaments. The data can then be reported to an app and can be reviewed by both athletes and coaches.
PULSE
To assist in training for Modbox, skipping is a go to exercise. The skipping rope often can cause injury when it whips your leg, gets tangled around your neck, or becomes a tripping hazard. Sometimes it can even be a hazard to others, especially when training in groups in a small space. In an effort to make skipping more fun and unable to bruise your legs, Pulse was designed. These handles are interactive and simulate a skipping rope. Using a baring to create a weight and rotation that mimics the rhythm of traditional skipping. The lights projected from the handle can even create a spectacle when performing group work skipping routines.
BEAT
Modbox is an adaptable and modified version of boxing, therefore needing adaptable and modified equipment. Unlike the traditional boxing bag, Beat is a 'half' boxing bag that can be mounted to a wall, placed on a stand or even laid on the floor other uses. Similar to the Pulse skipping handles, the Beat bag is interactive, using lights to indicate training progression. The sensors in the bag can also track punches - monitoring force and positioning. The two products are combined using an app to track athletes progress. The efforts of the Modbox community can also be promoted on a billboard, connecting their communities and showcasing their sport.
THE SYSTEM
The two products are combined using an app to track athletes progress. The efforts of the Modbox community can also be promoted on a billboard, connecting their communities and showcasing their sport.
INITIAL CONCEPTS
Below are the four initial concept ideas I designed for 'new to the world' equipment for Modbox were presented. Each of the team members presented four designs to Allan Hahn. From there, three ideas were chosen to be developed further. Of my ideas, the skipping rope handles and the billboard drew Allan's attention. Our team then progressed with the design and development of the handles and a boxing bag concept. The billboard helped to bring forth a community element of the system, showcasing the sport and connecting with the community.
FINAL CONCEPT PRESENTATION
Halfway through the design process the team presented the smart modular boxing bag concept and the rope-less skipping rope device that developed into beat and pulse. The final concept presentation aimed to insure that the design and development process was on the right track and if there were any modifications that needed to be made.
MODEL MAKING
Many models were made: foam modelled, CNC routed and 3D printed to develop the design of Pulse and Beat. This process can be seen below.
FINAL PRESENTATION
CAD MODELLING
PROJECT REFLECTION
It was really insightful working with Allan Hahn and Paul Perkins to develop these products. Throughout the project they offered us invaluable feedback and motivated us to be creative. The design process, unlike before, focussed on interaction and technology, using sensors and lights in our case, to develop interesting and unique fitness equipment. The design process we followed was similar to previous projects: developing ideas, prototyping, presenting.