The Stanford Gym: From Arillaga to Ari"gaga"

Bela Gupta, Enrique Zambrano, Kris Sandor, Noah Riner, Pettus Randall, Rosa WuDesigning Happiness | October 2010

“It gets so mobbed in the weights area sometimes that people end up waiting around. We need to figure out how to improve that.”

“The air in here is thick and smelly.”

“I don’t mind the football, but it would be nice to have more programming options.”

“Why are there no showers here?!”

“I like music from the 70s, but something more modern would be nice.”

Let’s face it. The gym is one of the most selfish, narcissistic places on earth.

THIS NOT THIS

Social good: work out and save the earth!1

It is intimidating and scary for some!

“Those guys think

they are so cool” “I am

so cool”

MARGINALIZED

I may look tough, but I’m here to

help!

Social good: encourage the experts to volunteer!

1

Problem: your last experience in the gym is gross. When you remember your mixed gym experience (a workout can be both

painful and rewarding) you will focus on the negative.

Was someone mining coal before using the

scale?

Why is everything in the bathroom

wet?

Stained carpets wish you farewell!

Last impressions endure!

Small acts of kindness: “You’re looking great today! Nice workout!”

LESS LIKE THIS

MORE LIKE THIS

2

People don’t interact as

much, and it can get lonely.FIT+

SOCIAL

HAPPINESS

√ Single

Biff: Hey T’mill #2, you’re cuteTina: Thx. I like your gait

3 Build relationships: social networking

I’m so exhausted!

Only 2 more minutes

Eric Prydz should win a grammy

Umm, can we say, “juice bar,” or what?

3 Building relationships: socialization spots

VS.

Spreading happiness isn’t on peoples’ minds

Spread happiness: get out those ducchene smiles!4

Spread happiness: scribble on the happiness wall!4

Ran 10 miles non-stop!

I feel amazing!

Nancy was here!

Flow is disrupted at the gym: poor hygiene, dullness, lighting, smell

Use flow-enhancing design and technology! 5

Thank you!