My Belief
After reading peer comments on my bug list and their related posts, I believe there is an opportunity surrounding free-weights in the gym. I've been going to the gym at my apartment complex and to Southwest Rec. consistently for about a year now, and I started to notice free-weights ( dumbbells, plates, etc.) were being misplaced or simply not returned to their needed locations. This can be extremely irritating since it messes up your workout flow. I believe there is a need for a more efficient way to return ,or re-rack, free-weights in the gym. When weights are not properly put back, it is not only an inconvenience to others but a potential tripping hazard. This problem mostly affects avid gym users and the gym's condition. The need has existed for awhile because gym layouts and free-weight equipment have not changed drastically overtime. From what I've seen during my workout, most people won't bother to re-rack weights that are clearly in their way just because they haven't used them. Also, I've seen people take weighted plates from one squat rack because the one they are using doesn't have the weight they're looking for. I am highly confident (about 80%) that this opportunity exists. Because right now, gym users have just been coping with the inconvenience.Interviews
#1 - Apartment complex manager
Q: How many hours a week do you spend maintaining the gym?She said on average about 9-11 hours a week. Because it is a 24 hour gym, when she does maintenance varies based on how many people are there.
Q: Could you walk me through your process?
First she checks the restrooms and machine equipment. She then makes sure the mirrors and windows are clean. When she spots misplaced weights, she tries to place them back but some are simply too heavy and awkward to lift.
Q: What led management to place signs in the gym telling people to clean up after themselves?
All of the managers decided to place signs reminding people to re-rack the weights because going through the process themselves was taking up too much time and was a hassle.
Q: Have you seen any improvement? Are people listening?
She said the situation improved slightly. Occasionally after peak hours, plates and dumbbells will be scattered around the gym.
Q: How often do you take inventory of equipment? Has anything been stolen or reported missing?
Management does inventory about once a month. If equipment is damaged they have to put it into storage until its repaired. In the past, she said dumbbells and even benches have gone missing and reported by residents. There are now cameras present and a pass code to enter the gym after clubhouse hours that only residents know.
#2 - Bouncer
Q: How much time do you spend looking for weights?He said it takes a few seconds to a minute to find weights for his specific workout. When you go to the gym and the weight type are important factors.
Q: When you can't find a specific weight at first, how does that make you feel?
If he can't find a weight at first, he said he assumes someone else may have it. He said there have been times in the past where he couldn't find a weight and he was the only one in the gym. Frustrating he says.
Q: Have you ever started a workout and realize the weights were not the same?
He has never started a workout with different weights, but occasionally when he picks up dumbbells from the rack they are not the same.
Q: Do you ever take the time to reorganize the free-weights?
After he finishes his sets, he said he returns the weights to where he found them even if it's not the correct placement. He never bothered to organize the weights because it won't last.
Q: What about the gym irritates you the most?
Inconsiderate people who think they own the gym. He talked about his experiences with people who hog machines, not wiping off their sweat, and those who spend more time on their phones than workout.
#3 - Student gym user
Q: How much time do you spend looking for weights?
He said a few minutes at max. Walking from different areas to find them does use energy.
Q: When you can't find a specific weight at first, how does that make you feel?
He said it kills his motivation and frustrates him. He moves on to a different exercise.
Q: Have you ever started a workout and realize the weights were not the same?
No. He did pick up plates that were different weights because the size looked similar.
Q: Do you ever take the time to reorganize the free-weights?
He said it wasn't his job. He re-racks the weights he uses but never considered organizing the area.
Q: What about the gym irritates you the most?
He said scattered weights. One time, he tripped over a misplaced plate and fell on the squat bar. Everyone was looking at him and he felt embarrassed.
Reflection
The most important takeaway from these interviews was the fact that users across the spectrum recognize the problem and shared similar experiences. Also, the fact that they didn't bother to correct or improve the problem surprised me. The underlying cause of this problem is definitely people-centric not equipment. I need to focus on people and create some incentive-based solution. Looking back at these interviews I've gained important insight and established some credibility to this opportunity.
Summary
Based on these interviews, I would say the opportunity for a more efficient way to re-rack free-weights is present, and my original idea was strengthened. My original idea was formed based on my own experiences, but after listening to others, I re-shaped certain details of my idea (moving from an equipment to people focused solution). I believe the opportunity it is more accurate and refined. In my opinion, entrepreneurs should take in as much user feedback as possible because at the end of the day, the market will decide if your product/service is valuable. There is a trade off: loss of original idea, customer bias, and uncertainty in which feedback to take. Staying firm in your goal to solve the need but take in many perspectives along the way.
