ShakeTrac
Turning Fitness Motion into Meaningful Ritual through Sound and Sensory Design
Individual Project
Timeline: 10/2/2024 - 12/8/2024
Scale: 10” x 4” x 4” inches/ 254 x 100 x 100 mm
Material: PLA
ShakeTrac redefines the act of mixing protein powder into a mindful pre-workout fitness ritual. Designed with a built-in exterior track and a free-moving metal ball, the bottle transforms a routine task into an intentional gesture. As the user flips the bottle to mix, the ball rolls around the horizontal track. By doing so, it create motion and sound that signal the beginning of a focused fitness session. When the shake is ready and the bottle is turned upright, the ball drops into a vertical track and produces a distinct click, a subtle but satisfying auditory cue that confirms the mix is complete. This interaction not only marks the transition from preparation to performance, but also embeds meaning into an otherwise mundane habit, reinforcing presence and intention through design.
Moodboard
ShakeTrac was born from an exploration into the unspoken rituals of the gym—like the unmistakable clack of barbell clips or the repetitive choreography of machine setups. These small gestures, repeated daily, become powerful anchors that shape routine and identity.
Research
People in the fitness often develop small rituals—like grunting, clanking weights, adjusting wrist straps, or pacing before a lift—as a way to mentally prepare, build focus, and create a sense of control. These repeated behaviors help regulate performance anxiety, mark transitions between exercises, and reinforce a personal rhythm or identity in the workout space. Over time, these rituals become cues that signal commitment and readiness, blending functionality with psychological grounding.
Concept Development
Preliminary Sketch
Inspired by this, I designed ShakeTrac to turn the act of mixing a protein shake into a deliberate, sensory ritual.
Prototyping
The rolling ball along the bottle’s exterior track isn’t just functional—it adds a sense of movement and rhythm, mirroring the energy of the workout to come.
Deliverable
The final click when the ball locks into its vertical channel signals readiness, much like snapping on a lifting belt or chalking hands. By embedding this micro-ritual into a simple object, ShakeTrac transforms utility into mindfulness, supporting habit formation through intuitive and repeatable interaction.