For the master’s thesis, we designed exercise cards to encourage active breaks after prolonged sitting. Illustrated characters depicting the exercise and short written instructions on the cards encourage the individual to exercise.
In the theoretical part, we first presented today's lifestyle in more detail and described modern health problems that develop during prolonged sitting. To improve these problems, we also focused on describing workplace exercise and sitting ergonomics. Since our final product was a set of cards, we also included a few words in general about cards, their history, and design. In the last part of the theoretical section, we explained the meaning of illustration, its history and listed its types.
In the experimental part, we reviewed and analysed several examples of card sets that already exist on the market. Based on the analysis, we then extracted the best guidelines that are necessary for the appropriate design of such types of cards. The analysis results were used in the entire visual design of the appearance of the cards, the drawing of the illustration, the choice of colours, fonts, and writing instructions. Next, we implemented the first survey on the movement of individuals at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. After designing the cards, we also made an example packaging dieline. Lastly, we prepared another survey, where we confirmed or refuted the hypotheses about the appearance and usability of the final product.
The survey on daily activity found a lack of movement or active breaks during sedentary work. For this reason, it is necessary to increase awareness of the consequences of prolonged sitting and encourage people to have a healthy and active lifestyle. In the second survey on the usability and appearance of the cards, we found that although future users would be interested in the cards, most were still undecided. In general, they liked the visual appearance, although some minor improvements could be made.
The final product was part of the research of the European project Ultra, under the auspices of The Recovery and Resilience Plan.
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