Q&A with Paul Taylor

In the competitive landscape of fitness facilities, staying ahead means offering state-of-the-art equipment that exceeds client expectations. The Symbio Runner ™, a 2024 Red Dot Design award-winning treadmill, is designed to do just that. As a facility manager, you understand the importance of providing a premium experience that keeps members engaged and coming back for more. The Symbio Runner, with its innovative features and elegant design, is poised to magnify your facility's reputation and enhance the overall exerciser experience. 

In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into the cutting-edge design behind the Symbio Runner, exploring how it stands out in the market and what it means for your facility. Join us as we sit down with Paul Taylor, Director, Product Design for our cardio lines, to uncover the insights and inspirations that led to the creation of this exceptional piece of fitness equipment.

Q: What inspired the design of the Symbio Runner?

A: The design of the Symbio Runner was inspired by the need to create a seamless blend of form and function. Our goal was to develop a treadmill that not only performs exceptionally well but also looks stunning in any setting. The design language is defined by clean, minimal forms that are continuous across multiple materials. 

Q: What are the key innovations in the Symbio Runner?

A: The Symbio Runner boasts several key innovations that set it apart from other treadmills on the market. One of the standout features is the patented Adaptive Flex Deck™, which offers five different cushioning options. This allows users to customise the running surface based on their needs, whether they are beginners, individuals recovering from injuries, or advanced runners. 

Q: How does the Symbio Runner enhance the user experience?

A: The Symbio Runner  provide a natural, sensory workout experience tailored to the individual. The treadmill's adaptive features adjust to the user's fitness level, enhancing satisfaction and engagement. For example, while in a virtual, outdoor workout, the cushioning and incline will automatically change to match the terrain shown on the screen, creating a completely immersive experience. Additionally, the treadmill offers real-time metrics such as cadence, stride length, and left/right balance, along with personalised customisation for each run or workout. 

Q: What makes the Symbio Runner a premium product?

A: The Symbio Runner stands out as a premium product due to its advanced technology and elegant design. The treadmill's smart features, such as the Adaptive Flex Deck™ and integrated sensors, provide users with valuable insights into their performance and help them achieve their fitness goals. The immersive experience, where the terrain shown on the screen matches the feel under your feet, sets it apart from other treadmills. Furthermore, the real-time metrics and personalisation options are unmatched in this market. 

Q: What does winning the RedDot award mean for the Symbio Runner and the team behind it?

A: Winning the RedDot award is a significant achievement for the Symbio Runner and the team behind it. It validates the meticulous and purposeful design efforts that went into creating this product, building on our heritage of innovation which began in 1977 with the Lifecycle. The award recognises the Symbio Runner's exceptional design and innovation, positioning it as a leader in the fitness industry. It also reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge fitness equipment that meets the needs of our customers. 

Q: Can you share some insights into the design process of the Symbio Runner?

A: The development process of the Symbio Runner involved extensive collaboration between various teams, including product design, engineering, and biomechanics. We focused on creating a treadmill that not only performs well but also offers an unmatched user experience. Our team conducted thorough research and testing to ensure that every aspect of the treadmill, from the materials used to the integrated technologies, met our high standards. For example, we tested the Symbio Runner for 25,000 miles (40,000 KM), equivalent to the Earth's circumference at the equator, to guarantee we achieve the highest standard of functional design in the market today. 

Q: What are you most proud of regarding the Symbio Runner?

A: We are incredibly proud of the Symbio Runner's ability to combine advanced technology with elegant design. The treadmill's sleek, modern design makes it a standout piece in any fitness facility. The recognition from the RedDot award further validates our efforts and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fitness industry. 

Q: What are the future plans for the Symbio line?

A: The success of the Symbio Runner has paved the way for further innovations within the Symbio line. We are continuously exploring new technologies and design elements to enhance our products and meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our goal is to maintain our position as a leader in the fitness industry by delivering products that offer exceptional performance, design, and user experience. 

Q: How does offering the Symbio Runner benefit a facility and its brand?

A: Offering the Symbio Runner can significantly enhance a facility's appeal and brand reputation. The treadmill's advanced features and elite design attract new exercisers and keep them engaged and motivated.  This not only enhances member satisfaction but also positions the facility as a leader in fitness innovation. Additionally, the sleek, modern design of the Symbio Runner complements and enhances the aesthetic of any premium facility, creating an inviting environment for members. 

Q: How does the Symbio Runner incorporate user feedback in its design?

A: The Symbio Runner was co-created with the user in mind, and we conducted research with more than 2,500 exercisers, using this feedback to shape our design efforts. For example, the Control Pad is conveniently located closer to the exerciser to put the controls that are used most often within easy reach, including speed, incline, or Flex Deck firmness settings. While easy to reach, we also took care to set the position and angle of the Control Pad so it does not hinder movement when exercising. 

We're also utilising touch screen LCD technology for the Control Pad, which allows for user configurability. Exercisers can now program their desired quick key speeds and inclines. The Control Pad display also automatically changes based on the user selection on the main console; it turns into TV controls if the exerciser enables the TV, it adapts the controls to support On Demand classes, etc. The exerciser can easily switch between these displays with a simple swipe if desired. 

Q: What immersive features does the Symbio Runner offer?

A: Our immersive terrains allow exercisers to choose compelling, immersive virtual routes that they can see, feel, and experience in all Symbio products. On the Symbio Runner, exercisers will feel a truly interactive experience beneath their feet, feeling the deck firmness change depending on the virtual route selected. 

Q: What is the design philosophy behind the Symbio Runner?

A: The Symbio Runner embodies purposeful design. In a cohesive design, success hinges on the meticulous consideration of even the smallest elements, from texture variations to component grouping. Utilizing cast aluminium brings elegance, strength, and durability to the products. Every detail enhances your space without compromising the biomechanics and function of the exercise. Texture details were designed for beautiful aesthetics and ease of cleaning. 

Q: How does the Symbio Runner reflect intentional innovation?

A: Our comprehensive research helped us to understand customer and exerciser needs, which drove our direction for innovation. Globally, across 19 countries and with insights from thousands of individuals, these findings form the foundation of our global approach to reimagine cardio fitness. Unmatched global market intelligence, ground-breaking biomechanics, and intuitive ergonomics have led us to the most natural-feeling workout to date. This is fitness reimagined.

Symbio is body and machine, together in seamless motion. Connected through energy and movement. A dynamic fusion of engaging personalisation, advanced biomechanics, and meticulous, purposeful design. It's the ultimate sensory fitness experience.