unite through movement
Specializing in communal workout equipment tailored for shared yoga experiences, Align empowers individuals to strengthen connections and build trust through synchronized practice.
ROLE:
Product Design | Industrial Design | Design Research | Design Strategy | Ideation | Prototyping | 3D Modelling & Rendering
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PROJECT BRIEF:​
Align is a health and wellness brand focused on developing communal workout equipment tailored for shared yoga experiences, fostering connections and trust through synchronized practice.
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GOALS:
The objective of this project was to bridge the gap between individual and communal exercise by creating products that encourage shared physical activities, thereby strengthening social connections and promoting overall well-being.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders.
- American Journal of Psychiatry
In today's fast-paced world, where digital interactions often overshadow real-world connections, the importance of shared experiences cannot be overstated.
Recognizing this, I created Align, a health and wellness brand dedicated to fostering unity through movement.
Align is born from the belief that connections can be forged not only through conversations but also through shared physical activities like fitness.
83% of respondents who participated in team sports reported feeling a strong sense of trust towards their teammates, contributing to their overall satisfaction with the sport experience.
- "State of Play 2020: Trends and Developments,”
Aspen Institute, 2020
THE PROBLEM:
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The concept of Align originated from an observation that most workout equipment and fitness activities are designed for individual practice.
Even in group exercise settings, participants often work out in proximity to others without truly engaging with them. This lack of interaction misses an opportunity to build trust and camaraderie—essential elements in forming strong connections.
Align addresses this gap by offering communal workout equipment designed for shared yoga experiences.
Our products encourage synchronized practice, enabling participants to connect with each other on a deeper level. By engaging in these shared activities, individuals can strengthen their relationships, build trust, and create lasting bonds—all while reaping the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise.
DESIGN EXPLORATION:
The design exploration phase for Align began with an in-depth market analysis of existing products geared toward both individual and group exercise. I focused on understanding how different sports and exercises contribute to building trust and strengthening connections among participants. This research included a thorough examination of competitors to identify gaps in the market and opportunities for innovation.
To ensure that Align's products stood out, I carefully considered the design aesthetic I wanted to emulate. I created mood boards that captured the essence of the brand's vision—combining elements of simplicity, elegance, and functionality. These visuals served as a foundation for the design process, guiding the overall look and feel of the products.
Armed with inspiration, I began sketching out initial product ideas. These sketches were then translated into prototypes, which I meticulously tested to evaluate their functionality and effectiveness in fostering communal exercise. Understanding the importance of user feedback, I interviewed yoga instructors about the concept, gathering valuable insights and advice on how to improve the prototypes.
Based on this feedback, I refined the prototypes, ensuring that they not only met the technical requirements but also aligned with the brand's goal of promoting unity through movement. This iterative process of design, testing, and refinement was crucial in developing a product that truly resonates with users and fulfills the mission of Align.
Align is more than just a fitness brand; it's a movement aimed at bringing people together through the power of physical activity. Our mission aligns with pillars 3 and 6 of the Surgeon General’s advisory on the ongoing Epidemic of Loneliness, which emphasize the importance of social connections and community engagement in improving overall health and well-being.
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Through Align, I hope to inspire a shift in how we approach fitness—moving from solitary workouts to communal experiences that foster unity and connection.
Align is dedicated to fostering unity through movement.