KOSTER
Big Title
A FITNESS TRAIN CONCEPT FOR COMMUTERS
TEAM – ROLE
Abdullah Shakil – Design Research
Naomi Schaub – Communication Design
Shaina Walker – Concept Design
Luisa Koster – Concept Design
DURATION
October - November 2021
CONTEXT
Design Thinking sustainable Commuting
CLIENT
HSLU Design Film Kunst
TOOLS
Photoshop, Miro
ABSTRACT
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SBB Fit is a conceptual service idea that integrates a fitness carriage into Swiss trains, encouraging commuters to stay active during travel. By turning sitting time into an opportunity for light exercise, the service aims to improve passenger well-being and make train travel a more attractive alternative to cars, supporting sustainable mobility.
PROCESS
Situation
Commuters spend long hours sitting, leading to inactivity and making travel feel unproductive. The challenge is to create a service that fits seamlessly into daily routines without adding time or effort.
Decisions
• Focused on light, time-efficient exercise rather than high-intensity fitness to suit daily commuters.
• Chose to integrate station-based shower access instead of onboard showers to ensure feasibility.
My Role
• Defined the commuter journey from booking to post-travel.
• Synthesized research into behavioral insights
• Tested early ideas through interviews with commuters to ensure the concept felt practical and desirable.
Learnings
• Commuters value time efficiency and comfort over intensive exercise; small, simple activities are more acceptable.
• Offering visible health benefits can make public transport more competitive with cars.
• Practical constraints (safety, hygiene) strongly shape service feasibility, requiring close collaboration with technical experts.
RESEARCH
Methods:
• Literature Review • 6 Commuter Interviews • Conversations with SBB Technicians.
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Long sitting hours cause discomfort, fatigue, and stress among commuters.
People see commuting as “wasted time” and often feel unproductive.
Safety and stability are critical – SBB technicians emphasized the need for space-efficient and secure equipment.
CONCEPT
Fitness Carriage
Equipped with stationary bikes mounted to the floor, facing large panorama windows.
Bikes can be reserved via the SBB app or used spontaneously.
Supporting Services
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Station-based shower cabins accessible with bike reservations to address hygiene concerns.
Healthy vending options (snacks, drinks) to reinforce well-being.
Purpose
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Transforms passive commuting into productive, health-oriented travel.
Makes train travel a more attractive alternative to car commuting.
OUTCOME
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The concept outlines a service journey that integrates light physical activity into daily commuting without adding extra time to passengers’ schedules. By aligning with SBB’s safety requirements and leveraging existing infrastructure (station showers), the design demonstrates how well-being and sustainable mobility can reinforce each other.
EFFECT
For commuters:
Offers an easy way to stay active, making travel time feel more beneficial for personal well-being.
For SBB:
Enhances brand image as a health-conscious, innovative mobility provider, potentially attracting more passengers.
For the planet:
Encourages a shift from cars to trains, contributing to more sustainable mobility choices.
Open Question:
How can fitness equipment be integrated into trains while minimizing safety risks for passengers?
