User Interviews
After conducting user interviews, people found the idea of a treadmill good. One user liked using the treadmill because you don't have to worry about the distance you're going. For example, if you were to go on a run, you may be tempted to run far, but forget to realize that you also have to run that distance back. In addition, 80% of users interviewed said they liked the treadmill because they could use it in any kind of weather. Some even preferred using it because it was indoors in a climate controlled environment. Many liked that the treadmill can track their heartrate and the number of calories burned. They also found ample space to put water bottles, towels, or other loose articles while working out.
On the other hand, many users had a lot to say about the downsides of treadmills, particularly with the user interface of this model. When asked about whether they use the preset workouts, 90% of the users interviewed said that they did not use them. When asked why, many found them confusing and didn't know how to use the preset workouts. Others preferred setting their own running pace. Furthermore, users found that they don't use many of the buttons on the interface, like the numerical keypad, the 'back' and 'options' button, and the volume and channel buttons at the top. Many were also confused as to what the screen in the middle is supposed to show about one's workout.
Below are some user-interview quotes:
- I don't have to worry about the distance I'm going...I can do it in any kind of weather and change the incline.
- It's not good for joints, worse than running on asphalt
- It's has a narrow/short platform, very repetitive.
- Tried preset workouts, didn't understand how it works
- Don't understand the number keypad. Do they control speed?
- Don't like knobs for changing speed, prefer buttons
- Don't use channels, don't know if they're connected
- Wished the data expressed are on a more user-friendly LED screen.
- Never use back or option button.
- Need somewhere to put tablet/phone/book that doesn't cover the data.
- Wished the interface was higher up, prefer to look straight instead of down.
- Can only measure heartrate while holding onto something
- Don't know what the up/down does around the 'OK' button.
- Who needs 2 water bottles?
- Headphone jack is unnecessary.
- Don't need 6 buttons for preset workouts, can just have one and toggle.
- Definitely need an instruction manual to utilize all the features,but at the same time who has time to read an instruction manual?
Pros
- Tracks heartrate
- Tracks calories burned
- Displays distance travelled
- Can use anytime despite weather
Cons
- Unclear how to set up preset workouts
- Confusing and unused buttons
- Channels and headphone jack unused
- Tablet placement covers up data
Personal Experience
In my personal experience, I found the treadmill to satisfy the basic need of walking or running. I don't use the preset workouts, so I found those buttons to be useless to me. I also didn't care much about trying to cater the workout to me by entering in my weight, age, or height. I found the knobs for adjusting the speed and incline relatively easy to use; however, I prefer having buttons as it's harder to control how much you are increasing/decreasing with the knobs. From talking with others, I discovered that the channels that are for the treadmill are for the channels on the TV. However, there weren't any TVs in front of the treadmills in the Z center. Regardless of whether there were TVs in front, I found the channel buttons and headphone jack for the treadmill useless as I wouldn't use them anyways.