MAKING A SPLASH Time-critical CDP software development helps Speedo make waves in swim tracking

18 June 2018 – Swimmers across the globe have a new level of activity tracking at their fingertips following a collaboration between digital technology and product design firm Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) and leading international swimwear brand Speedo. CDP has created a swim tracking algorithm for a new generation of tracking app, called Speedo On, which can capture a range of key swim metrics via a water-resistant fitness band so that they can be incorporated into personal fitness goals.

The connected Speedo On app is featured on Samsung’s new Gear Fit2 Pro activity tracker. Sophisticated algorithms translate data from the accelerometer and gyroscope in the ergonomic wrist-worn device into measurements of lap count, lap time, stroke type and stroke count. The interactive swim tracking platform acts as a comprehensive training partner, offering analysis of swims and tracking progress against fitness goals. It also includes additional training programmes, tips and tailored advice, developed by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes.

As part of a worldwide team that worked around the clock to produce the app and its accompanying service for swimmers, the CDP team had a tight timescale of just two months for the development of the software in time for the launch of the Gear Fit2 Pro. So it deployed a mixture of analysis techniques – using both classical and machine learning algorithms to identify the relevant swimming characteristics. “One of the key challenges was understanding which stroke was being used as we had to classify the data taking into account wide variations in swim technique,” said Roberto Basile, a software engineer at CDP. “Lap counting was also complex as we were simply using measurements of hand movements – yet needed to differentiate between normal swimming and the movements during a turn.”

The development was completed in time for launch, with the Speedo On swim tracking app pre-installed on the Gear Fit2 Pro. The data is seamlessly transferred on to the Speedo On web-based platform. The app also has a social dimension – enabling users to follow other swimmers, take part in challenges and share achievements. And swimmers can complete time trials and get their SWOLF score – a swim efficiency measure.

“Speedo is committed to inspiring more people to get into the pool to achieve their fitness goals,” said Tim Sharpe, innovation director at Speedo owner Pentland. “The combination of CDP’s unique software skills and Speedo’s swim expertise has provided fitness-focused swimmers with a completely new level of tracking.

Notes for editors

Cambridge Design Partnership is a technology and product design partner focused on helping clients grow their businesses. Some of the world’s largest companies trust CDP to develop their most important innovations. Located in both Cambridge (UK) and in Palo Alto, California (US), CDP specialises in the consumer products, healthcare, energy and industrial equipment markets. Its multidisciplinary staff have the expert knowledge to identify opportunities and tackle the challenges its clients face. For more information, visit: www.cambridge-design.co.uk

The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations and supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level. In the 1920s Speedo made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo redefined swimwear again with Fastskin LZR RACER – the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. 2011 saw Speedo unveil another world first with the Fastskin Racing System – a cap, goggle and suit designed to work together as one. Speedo is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V. and distributed in over 170 countries around the world. For more information, visit: www.speedo.com

For further information, contact the marketing team:
+44 (0)1223 264428
marketing@cambridge-design.co.uk