User Research
Research Method: Secondary Research, Contextual Inquiry, Interview, Personas, User Journey Map
Problem Space
Main problems identified in Purdue Co Recreational Sports Center weight training area.
Muscular body builder dominated space, which evokes “body shaming”
Gender Gap, male dominated space
Gym environment evokes ““gym anxiety“
Through our research, most people reflected the fear of being judged and their intimidation towards the weight training area of the Purdue Co Recreational Sports Center. The problems identified with this space prevented women and gym beginners from utilizing the equipment (weights, squat racks) within the space. CoRec basement is one of the most well-equipped area, but because of the current dynamic there, women and beginners don't have the courage or equal chance of enjoying the facilities. Therefore, we narrowed our problem space to the Basement weight training area at CoRec.
Target User Group
Women at Purdue University who lack the confidence to workout alone at the basement of the Corec, and who need a more accessible gym environment.
"I felt like everyone is staring at me when I am walking down the aisle in the basement," said a female Purdue
We then went on to do more research on women in fitness, we further confirmed that weight training area at gym feels less accessible for women.
According to the worldwide trends in insufficient physical study on Lancet Global Health, the finding shows " a difference between sexes of more than 8 percentage points (23·4%, 21·1–30·7, in men vs 31·7%, 28·6–39·0, in women". The sex difference can be explained that gym is less accessible to women than men, and women are less active than men. The research study also talked about insufficient physical activity would leads to non-communicable diseases, and has a negative effect on mental health and quality of life.
We as a group came to a joint consensus that we are going to handle this problem through an activist approach, which will both help women foster a strong desire to change the current dynamic of the basement by dominating the space in a collaborate and constructive manner.