The team behind Spin Green was formed based on particular individual characteristics that would support the combined strength. After familiarizing with each other, each member’s strengths and weaknesses were identified. Based on those characteristics, each member was given a role in the team following Kolb’s learning styles:

• Marina Sharygina……–……Accommodator
• Mona Mirshamsi…….–……Accommodator
• Robin Hand…………..–……Assimilator
• Roeland Kemp……….–……Converger / Accommodator
• Silvano Baccara……..–……Assimilator
• Vishal Ramsanjhal….–……Diverger

Figure 1: Basadur innovation profile (based on Kolb’s learning styles).

Having analyzed the team characteristics, team members both individually and collectively started to think about potential ideas for the group project. Generally, someone came up with an idea and shared it on an online communication tool (www.onlinegroups.net) or presented it to the other team members in class or during meetings. Once several promising ideas for innovation were generated, and opinions were shared online and during discussion meetings, a decision had to be made on which idea would be selected and further developed.

The initial idea

Subsequent to a team meeting, the team unanimously settled on the idea that was expected to have most innovative potential, while it provided many options for addition of extra features: a gym concept where clients produce energy while exercising. Quoting on Vishal Ramsanjhal’s initial idea:

“We all like to work out to keep our bodies in shape. There is various equipment like cycling, steps and rowing which is used for cardio training. We use lots of body energy to keep the equipment running. While running, this equipment could be used to produce electricity. Imagine the electricity that could be generated if all the gyms in the world would introduce this electricity concept. Then going to the gym is not only good for your health, but also for the environment as the electricity generated by the cardio equipment is sustainable and manmade.”

Thus, in the beginning the electricity aspect was basically the single discriminator within the group’s idea. Moreover, various gym equipment was considered for energy conversion. A continuing process of diverging and converging changed this initial starting point to what has developed into Spin Green.

Towards Spin Green: adding features and prototyping

The idea of a gym that is creating its own energy is not something totally new. Nevertheless, it has not been implemented at a large scale in practice. In order to make the concept profitable and attractive to customers, several additional features were thought of. Basically, a next round of brainstorming started in order to extend our existing idea. Besides, the firm’s name was created: Spin Green. The name already indicates that a decision was made to focus on spinning as key aspect of the gym concept. Spinning machines turned out to be the best option for energy conversion. Moreover, the extra features to the product, next to energy production, were most appropriate when connected to spinning. The different features that are still part of the Spin Green concept are as follows:

• Energy production by human energy
• Gaming features
• Contributing to obesity problem
• Discounts/competitions to stimulate energy production
• Charity events
• Cooperation with government programmes

Accordingly, a combination of different, some existing, features makes Spin Green innovative. The process towards the concept of Spin Green could be compared with Joel Barker’s idea of ‘Innovation at the Verge’[1].  This way of innovation refers to making new configurations of conceptually unrelated artifacts or their application. The different elements that characterize Spin Green have not been combined before. One could say that Spin Green has ‘[addressed] the challenge of finding new opportunities and ideas around us by looking beyond the usual boundaries.’[2] Furthermore, Spin Green acknowledged that innovative adaptation is much quicker and cost effective than invention and that innovations are not just about new ideas. The team also realized during the process that it is less problematic to be innovative through combination of features than it is to create something totally novel:  ‘Innovations at the verge are not just about new ideas.’

Moreover, Spin Green had to work on various presentation material of the firm for potential investors, customers and other future stakeholders. Besides a report, a weblog and a promotional video for Spin Green’s presentation, a prototype was created during lectures at Fablab. These sessions at the innovative fabrication lab were very helpful  to the process. Specifically, the two Fablab visits were very beneficial for learning to deal with creativity processes from idea to prototype and promotion of a potential future innovation. A great lesson was to experience that prototyping is not all about a perfect and real version of the end product, but about creating a tool to improve understanding and promotion of an idea. The team realized this in time, which led to a nice and understandable visualization of the spinning experience at Spin Green.

In addition, Spin Green did not reside next to the drawing board. Team members explored current practice and various events on many occasions. For instance, part of the team went back to Fablab to shoot a movie. Also, other members went to a spinning lesson to experience the current classes and talk with clients and instructors. Next, the cycling event of the Giro d’Italia was visited both in Amsterdam and Utrecht, including the different side-events where spinning and gaming were introduced. These are just three examples of ways Spin Green gathered field knowledge for the project.

One could imagine that the team did not always undertake every activity with all six individuals. Clearly, this was not pursued as the team members reside at various locations and it would be impossible to do everything with the complete group. However, this turned out to be a strength of Spin Green. Division of tasks to varying offshoots of the Spin Green team was very effective and made possible that different (teams of) members could use their particular qualities for the project’s sake.

To conclude this overview of the whole process towards the final Spin Green concept, one could delineate the total process in a divergent-convergent framework, which would look as follows:

Figure 2: Divergent-convergent process of Spin Green.

[2] Quote from Joel Barker’s ‘innovation at the Verge’.

Furthermore, as Spin Green is offering its future clients rewards (and discounts) at different occassions (for monthly or yearly energy production, at special tournaments etc.), we are now considering awards similar to the Giro d’Italia celebration of winners.. that is, for men’s competitions of course

Last Thursday part of the Spin Green team went back to Fablab to film our dynamic prototype for a video that will be presented soon. First of all, we are very thankful for Fablab’s openness and assistance to our project.

In our promotion video we wanted to demonstrate the gaming experience. We brought a Wii console, besides our bike. However, unfortunately, the Mario Kart game used in our previous prototyping was forgotten. Therefore, we had to improvise and went to the public library nearby, where we hoped to be able to borrow a suitable Wii game, while none of us had a membership. We were thankful for the librarians understanding, and could use the library’s mario kart game!  In the end, after some hurdles, we finished the prototype filming successfully.

The unforseen visit to the library did turn out to lead to a surprising connection to our project. Because this weekend Amsterdam is turning pink for the first stages of the Giro d’italia (later more), the library had two bikes connected to a speedo meter. Kids clearly enjoyed this, while converting their enthusiasm into energy. Check this link for a visualization of their experience!

Also check www.fablab.nl for their comments on Spin Green and further information on Fablab itself.

Spin Green Product Offering (final paper)

Are you starting to lose clientele because some of them are not motivated enough and bored to come to the gym and exercise or it is too expensive for them or they would rather spend time with their friends socializing, may be playing computer games?

It is time to offer something extra in your GYM. You keep all the traditional machines and group classes, but with Spin Green bike you can target new customer segments, create an easy motivation to work out by adding gaming and thus competitive element to the workout, reduce your electricity bills, be corporate social responsible and offer your customers lower membership rates without any hit to your bottom line.

Spin Green Benefits:

No to obesity

Obesity has been a well-recognized problem and concern of many countries, especially US and UK. Moreover, child obesity has had so much publicity and government is trying hard to engage in many initiatives to tackle this problem.

Spin Green offers a solution to fight child obesity and let kids make new friends while exercising.

Staying Fit

As any work out, Spin Green keeps you fit and is one of the most effective cardio workouts. Many people attend spinning classes and although it is not a new concept on its own, it keeps being popular among female and male population. Of course, there are those people, who eventually get bored with a traditional spinning class, and that is why it is now possible to be more creative about spinning your way into being healthy and toned. There is a karaoke spinning class, but its target audience is very limited. Many of us are not in favor of sweating and signing at the same time and torturing other people with our vocal shortcomings. So, karaoke spinning is not an answer. Spin Green is! There are quite some gyms that generate energy form human movement, but Spin Green is the first to offer you to game along the energy generation and workout process.

Environment

Today every one is trying to be green and people appreciate companies that care about the environment, show that you care and let your customers also make their contribution to save the planet.

Gaming

How many people sit on their couch playing computer games? How many tried traditional gym and even spinning classes but quit soon after words due to the lack of motivation? Spin Green allows you to bring the fun of gaming to the gym, which will not only be appreciated by adults but also kids.

Multi-Tasking

With stressful and busy lifestyle, people wish they could do more things at the same time or manage to do more in 24 hours. Spin Green can help your customers save the time and combine things that are important to them and their children: socializing, meeting new people, staying fit, playing games and being green.

Why is Spin Green different from Wii:

Wii has invaded the homes of many people, and even though it does offer sport games to get us off the couch, the social aspect of it is limited only to people that we know who can come over to our house and play the Wii.  Wii keeps people from getting out and doing things outside of their homes. Wii brings a competitive element but against an imaginary character or a friend or family who play Wii with you at home. However, it is a lot more fun and also competitive to race against someone you do not know, but can see during the spinning class and even get to know some people.

If you moved to a new area and want to meet  people. Will Wii help you do something about it? No. You will not come up to a stranger and suggest to play Wii together and race against each other. Spin Green has a solution.

Just come to the gyms with Spin Green logo, make new friends, have fun, generate energy and get your work out in one go. d the more you do it, the cheaper it becomes for you to be a member of the GYM. Another motivator right there.

Target groups:

With Spin Green bikes, you can target the following additional customer segments:

1) People who want to be fit but are not motivated enough to attend regular GYM and spinning classes

2) Environmentally concerned who want to do something to help save the planet but do not always have time to do so due to other commitments

3) Parents who are worried about their children not getting enough exercise.

Technical Explanation of Spin Green machine (Vishal)
Costs and our Technical Support (Vishal)

Concept if Spin Green GYM

The idea behind the Spin Green gym is to put a number of Spin Green bikes that are connected together and that generate energy while people spin. The suggested amount if 30 bikes in a room specially equipped with the dynamos and cords that connect all the bikes together. At least one TV screen, but 2-3 is suggested to accommodate 30 people in case the class if full are place on the wall that the bikes are facing. Each bikes is equipped with sensors (as described in the technical explanation section above) During the spinning class, class participants race against each other and are able to see themselves as game characters racing against other people in the group.

Charity events

Hosting charity spinning events on Spin Green bikes will not only provide you with a lot of energy generated extra, it will also help people feel good by participating in charity events and donating the energy they produce. It is up to you, if you want to host those charity events, but it is a great and free opportunity for your GYM to save even more on electricity bills and get a reputation of environmentally friendly gym.

What are the benefits? This class allows you go at your own pace, and set your own resistance level. There are no complicated moves to learn, so regardless of how fit, flexible, or coordinated you are, you can get a great workout. Cycling is also a low-impact exercise, which is much easier on your joints than other activities such as step aerobics or running.

Exercise Extra: Spinning burns up to 600 calories per hour!

(source: SparkPeople Exercise of the Day Email April 28th, 2010)

An Introduction to the Spinning Program

Turn on the Spin Cycle

– By Holly Little, Certified Personal Trainer

This last sentence sums up my experient and explains my passion for Spinning. I have been a competitive athlete my entire life and this is one of the only sports that has kept my interest, tested my aerobic endurance, and brought me to a new level of mental endurance. I have trained for all kinds of competitions and events, and yet, when I’m in the class, I undergo a different kind of challenge and mental toughness. I leave satisfied, feeling like I have not only burned 500-plus calories, but have also accomplished something that I never thought I could. Amazing.

The other great thing about this activity is that it’s a different experience for each individual participant. Johnny G describes it by saying that “spinning is a unique indoor cycling workout. It brings the elements of athletic training to people of all fitness levels, but contrary to popular belief, Spinning is not just a ‘hard-core’ fitness program for elite athletes. Instead, this high-energy group exercise integrates music, camaraderie, and visualization in a complete mind/body exercise program. Individualized for participants of any age or ability, the Spinning program uses [a] stationary bike, a simple set of movements and hand positions, and heart rate training to deliver personal empowerment and unparalleled fitness results. In fact, participants in a 40-minute cycling class can burn an average of 500 calories.”

As far as workouts go, Spinning is on the top of my list, especially if you like working out in a group or are searching for something a little bit different. Give it a try, but keep in mind that it might take two or three sessions before you get used to all of the different elements. For more information or to find a Spinning class in your area, go to www.spinning.com.
(Source: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=150&page=2)

Environmental awareness is a core element at Spin Green. For that reason, a key feature is the electricity production from spinning movement. All bikes will be equipped with energy converters, which basically could use the same principle as a dynamo but more efficiently. The photo of the single biker shows a prototype version of a dynamo connected to the spinning wheel connected through wires with an energy converter.  Another option would be the usage of magnets. With a whole spinning class, one can imagine the potential of manmade electricity at gyms. Despite of electricity production through either friction or magnetic fields, the conversion of kinetic energy of the machines’ spinning wheels to electricity does not require very high-tech knowledge. Of course, at Spin Green’s start up we will need to hire someone with the technical knowledge to install the converters and attach those to the local electricity grid in our gyms.

Each customer can contribute to the environment in a very satisfying and simple way. As Spin Green will directly use the electricity produced at spinning classes, the more electricity customers produce the more our firm will benefit. Therefore, customers will be rewarded for their contribution through discounts and prizes as mentioned earlier. Spin Green will have much lower energy bills, and would greatly reduce its footprint on planet earth. Besides, the firm will actively promote and stimulate environmental responsibility of their customers, and especially teach children about a more sustainable life in a fun way.

Additionally, both the environmental aspect as the health aspect of Spin Green will be a basis to seek cooperation with (local) governments, schools, firms and other relating institutions.

Spin green is not just an ordinary gym; it’s a reason to get together with friends and family. Our concept has the potential to change the experience of going to the gym.

This family friendly gym will give the experience of a fun night out similar to bowling, action parts, movie nights etc.

• The spinning machines are equipped with motion sensors which interact with gaming software and a screen. The machines are compatible with the software; the gamer will feel the changes according to the conditions of the roads, meaning if the road is up hill the machines will create the same feeling.

• The games that can be played, are designed for different age groups

• 1. Tour de France  (for professionals)
  2. mini car race (for kids)
  3. chasing games (youngsters)
  4. sport games ( for everyone)
  5. The motion sensors make it possible to design even a broader range of games. You can think of games where you have to use your arms while pedalling

• The customers can choose their own characters and the experiences that go with them. The software will save the progress of the gamers. Moreover, the players can set some goals for them selves which the game is designed to encourage them along the way.

• In today’s globalized world where many friends and families live apart the online service of this gym gives the opportunity to exercise and have fun together while being apart.

• If you just go to the gym for exercising, the digital trainer is always available, so you don’t have to go to the gym on set times. The digital trainer also reduces the cost, because less gym personal is needed.

The spinning instructor told us that there are 6 different training types.

Endurance extensive
Relatively calm training for building up and maintaining one’s stamina, between 68 and 77% of the maximum heart rate. The speed of cycling can be fast to slow, with light resistance.

Endurance intensive
A training with higher heart rate. You will train between 86% and 90% of the maximum heart rate. In this training you will feel the muscle acidification but you won’t cross it.

Strength
Tough class with the goal of increasing the strength of the leg muscles and postponing the muscle acidification. In these training sessions, the cycling speed is lower, with more resistance. You will train between 75 and 85% of the maximum heart rate.

Interval extensive
All techniques and speeds with various levels of resistance will be carried out in this class. You will train between 75 and 85% of the maximum heart rate. There are short periods where te heart rate is low, because of that the experience of the training can be heavy.

Interval intensive
All techniques may be covered in these sessions. The heart rate will lie between 86 and 95% of the maximum heart rate. The training can be heavy for some as there are only brief periods with a lower heart rate.

Race day
A special, extremely difficult training session where the effort made is similar to a competition. This class occurs once every six to eight weeks. Keep an eye on the time-table and announcements.

Because we didn’t know which spinning category we joined, we accidentally joined the interval intensive group. This one is the heaviest of all. To create energy, this one is really useful. It is possible to connect some dynamos which regulate the heaviness of the spinning cycle system, the dynamos can create the energy.

After spinning a went talking to the instructor, she told me spinning was still a hype and mostly there is a full class. Also it is possible to do aqua spin, the only thing which is difficult is to create energy in the water.

For children, spinning isn’t the best way to create energy, but there are other bicycle systems which can!

When we went for the spinning class we looked at the people participating in the class, we did the work out ourselves and we talked to people as well as the instructor after class. This gave us more understanding of people’s motivations of coming to spinning class. We also shared our idea with couple of people that we talked to and they were very positive about our concept (producing energy+gaming element).

During class people do not usually talk. One man even said after class that he wanted to tell me (Marina) and Robin to stop talking as we talked to each other. Apparently, ti is not common practice to do that. Silvano did not talk at all. He was sweating like there is no tomorrow, trying to survive through the class. After class Silvano and Robin were very tired. Robin said that for him spinning alone is boring, so for people like Robin gaming element should be a good motivator.

Every instructor is different. Some talk too much which can be so annoying when you are trying hard to make it through to the end of the class. Others say just enough to keep you motivated.

One woman that we spoke to after class said she likes spinning because it is a quick and easy way to burn calories and that it is simple and does not require coordination or sense of rhythm like zumba or aerobics class. Moreover, compared to normal bikes in the GYM, spinning bikes do not indicated the distance or calories burnt, that is why you do not get demotivated by the little numbers that you can see on the normal bikes in the gym. (of course some spinning bikes do contain the information oon burning calories, but the bikes at USC do not). One man said that he goes to spinning classes during cold seasons to stay in shape as once it gets warmer he bikes outside. He also takes part in long bike ride and even competitions of 200 km, so spinning is a great way for him to stay in shape.

There were more women than men attending the class, but there were some very athletic men as well, which proves that this grouo work out is not for women only.

We searched on the Internet for some equipment to prototype. We found a bike that needs to look like a spinning bike.

For the gaming experience we wanted we connected on the big screen a WII computer.

To let our prototype creating energy we faked it with some attributes and lights so it looked like an energy producer. Because of the time limit we had, it wasn’t possible to create real energy, but it is possible to create energy out of cycling wheels.

While four group members were working on the bike prototype where we wanted to show how energy can be produce and demonstrate the actual spinning class purpose, the other two group members started working on creation the visualization of our idea of spinning gym with a gaming element as a social place for people, both adults and kids, to come, work out, interact and race against each other. At first Silvano and I (Marina) tried to create a drwaing in Photoshop, but since that took too much time and we did not have much time, with the help of FabLab employee (sorry cannot recall the name), we were able to print several images of people spinning in the 3D printer. The we took a few cartons and put them together with a scotch tape to create a room of the spinning class (to display one room as in our complete demo gaming element of mario cart would have been shown anyway). So we wanted to show how the spinning room would look like and how all the bikes would be connected to one energy depot where the produced energy would be streamed to. We also drew an image of television so that people who are spinning could either use a live instructor or have a possibility of using a digital instructor, which is an alternative for those who cannot make it to classes schedule with regular instructors. At the same time it is also a representation of our other room with gaming element, where on the TV screen people, adults and kids, can see themselves racing against each other.

During the demonstration in class we displayed this carton prototype of the room layout with spinning carton images, connected together with wires (we drew them since we did not have sufficient time), and Mona was riding the bike, while at the same time racing in mariocart game, which was displayed on the TV screen of Fab Lab. While she was riding the bike, the light bulb was lighting up (as if), showing that she was producing energy. Our demonstration was successful as we described the whole idea in words, but also showed to the class how the lay out of our Spinning GYm would look like, what is the gaming element about and how people would produce energy while spinning.