For this module, I have been looking
at the way on which graphic design impacts inclusivity within the fitness
industry and the gym environment. The research conducted has shown that
inclusivity is a recognised problem and there are a growing number of brands
and campaigns that are looking at ways in which to solve the issue. Research
into gender stereotypes and body image issues made it clear that the way in
which the fitness industry advertises can have a big impact of the way that
people perceive themselves. Gaining knowledge of this lead the design decisions
to make something to diverts away from the use of photography and the use of
models. This therefore would help to remove these stereotypes and the
intimidation that people feel due to the choice of models.
The research and primary
research suggests that some solutions should be discussed to change the way in
which certain groups and individuals view the gym for it to become more of an
inclusive environment. Some of the participants who took part in the primary
research gave some different solutions that they felt would make the gym a less
intimidating and more inclusive environment. The results from the primary
research and responses that I gained led to the development of creating an App
for beginners and people who struggle with confidence as this combined the
different ideas that the participants had discussed. This also responded to the
research as it gives a solution to the different issues that were discussed in
my essay.
The research has shown that
for any solution for the inclusivity issue to work it must be advertised well.
This lead to designing posters for the App as without careful advertisement the
App would not be known about and therefore would not be used. The research gave
examples of the different advertising platforms that could be used to advertise
the App to gain it some publicity. This would help spread the message of the
need for more inclusivity and thought of others in the fitness industry and gym
environment.
Both the App design and the
poster designs were inspired by the practical research that I conducted when
looking for inspiration and an understanding of the kind of designs that are
already present in the market. This helped to develop my design decisions leading
to the final outcomes of the printed poster and prototyped App.
