Cirrus V4 Console Development - Shaping the future of in gym tracking.
Cirrus V4 is the brand new Android-based and TRAKK ready operating system from Pulse Fitness that supports the new 18.5”, 10” CV and 10” ST consoles. V4 is designed to immerse members with premium quality TV, TRAKK on-demand streaming services, app and web services, integration with Strava and Apple GymKit for enhanced results tracking. V4 gives more control to the gym facilities to customise the series of consoles to create an engaging in-club experience.
Overview
Client
Pulse Fitness
Team
Stuart G (Product Designer)
1 x Hardware Specialist, 2 x Software Developers & 1 x Software Tester
Duration
Feb 2021 - Present
My Role
User Research - User testing
Lo-Fi wireframe generation
Hi-fi ui design
Prototype
The Problem
To keep up with trends and competitors, it was imperative that our best selling console was up to date to ensure sales did not drop due to out of date hardware and software. The problem was to redesign the entire V3 software that covered Pulse Fitness 18.5”, 10” and Strength consoles. Along with this software change, the hardware components were out of date and fundamental changes to the android system and third party connectivity had to be addressed and research.
The Goals
Project Research
Customer reviews and research groups to determine the pros and cons with the current APK features and performance.
Research latest android OS to improve overall performance.
Research third party connectivity to aid members workouts, find out what hardware is needed and how this would update the hardware architecture.
Cross reference the original features list with the current software build to ensure all features are present.
Generate system architecture for manufacturing.
Generate various UI and UX flows with prototypes to ensure the best experience is given to the end user.
Software Used
The Solution
The working relationship between different departments and suppliers for our console development is a very different process than developing our TRAKK mobile apps. Due to this it was imperative that all new features were researched and designed prior to involving our software developers.
After completing competitor research and holding various focus groups to understand the fundamental features for the new Cirrus V4 software. I created a development roadmap and specification documentation to outlay all the new hardware integration and software features.
Two main changes to the console series was the inclusion of a new external Bluetooth module within the console and the inclusion of Apples GymKit hardware. This new Bluetooth chipset would give us the functionality for the HD TV, third party apps and connection for members Bluetooth Heart Rate bands/watches for a more accurate calorie result. The Apple GymKit hardware gives the member the power to pair their Apple Watch (series 2+) to any of our console series.
Once the roadmap was created and the technical specification documents were created, I then liaised with our development team on our ideas. This allowed for the OS developers and system architects to redefine our Android board to cater for the upgraded hardware. This gave me time to start the full UI change for the Apk. This would give me the new design style and brand guidelines to be able to create and design the new UI and UX designs for the new integrations.
The full new software features included:
Bluetooth Connectivity (third party integrations)
Apple GymKit Integration
Strava Integration
UK Fire Fighter Test (Chester Treadmill Test)
Software Auto Updates
TRAKK On-Demand Video Streaming Service
Incline change to 18% (Previous was 15%)
iOS and Android Mirroring (Mobile to Console)
Full UI Reskin (Match TRAKK App Styling)
Our developers then created several prototype consoles with our desired hardware and software changes. This allowed for the project to be moved over to our in-house tester for A/B testing. This involved monitoring and testing the features in different situations to make sure the software and hardware were fully compatible and stable.
Once various changes were made to the software and hardware, the project was put into a real environment for an extended testing phase. The project was signed off for its phase 1 development. This meant some features are finished and ready to be launched but have been switched off for either upsell purposes or future marketing campaigns.
Various Screen Examples of the Cardio Cirrus V4 User Interface Designs.
