Improving the Meta-Grip: Redesigning for unsupervised use

Master thesis (2020)

Authors

N. den Hengst Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

T. Huysmans Applied Ergonomics and Design - IDE (mentor)
S.G. van de Geer Design Aesthetics - IDE (mentor)
John van der Kamp Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (mentor)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2020 N. den Hengst
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Published Date

27-08-2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

The Meta-Grip is a tool for climbers to measure hand and finger strength. A climber uses the Meta-Grip by hanging on either a sloper or crimp. The Meta-Grip measures the force through a load cell and transfers the data to a computer where the data can be viewed and analyzed. The current Meta-Grip is built for research. Because of this, the current Meta-Grip cannot be used unsupervised, the embodiment needs improvements and the price of 2520 euros for the costs is too high for the intended market. The current Meta- Grip can only do measurements, an addition to its functionalities would be the ability to also train on the Meta-Grip. This let to the following goal for redesigning the Meta-Grip: “Redesign the Meta-Grip in such a way that it becomes an affordable and recognizable tool that measures finger and hand strength and provides immediate and understandable feedback to the climber, that can be used unsupervised by climbers and is an addition to the currently available training tools.“.

To redesign the Meta-Grip, the design process is structured in four phases: analysis, ideation, concept design and final validation. The following methods were used: literature research, online market research, online surveys, sketching, prototyping, user testing, hosting creative sessions and expert interviews.

The redesigned Meta-Grip is a product-service system. The Meta-Grip, made for fanatic climbers, has a range in holds that differ in type and difficulty. Holds are available in alder wood for skin friendliness or polyurethane coated with quartz sand for high friction, to the user’s discretion. With two load cells and a Bluetooth module , a connection can be established to the mobile phone application of the Meta-Grip. This application, the service, is used to execute measurements, follow exercises and training plans and determine climbing goals. A button on the Meta-Grip allows users to turn the Meta-Grip on and connect the Meta-Grip via Bluetooth to the application on their phone. To instruct the user on how to use the Meta-Grip before the Bluetooth connection is available, instructions are placed on the left side of the Meta-Grip. The system is powered by a 9V battery. The installation of the Meta-Grip is made such that it will fit any normal climbing gym with two M10 bolts.

This research has shown the potential of a redesigned Meta-Grip. Through the application, the Meta-Grip can be used unsupervised and changing the design has made the Meta-Grip more versatile and recognizable for climbers. The cost price is estimate at 120 euros, making it a large price reduction. The next step is to further elaborate the concept and all parts of the product-service system to make it ready for launching the Meta-Grip to the market.