Graham Blanco

User Need Statement:

Graham needs a means to prevent residue build up on holds or clean them quickly while they are attached to the wall.

User Background:

• Started climbing as a young kid because his friends were doing it and liked the dynamic aspects

• Mostly climbs indoors for 30-45 minutes at a time, mostly bouldering

• Likes bouldering because it’s easier to get started and has a lot of interesting challenges.

• Does some top rope and uses auto belays

User Pain Points:

• It is difficult to develop the correct type of strength for climbing 

• Climbing shoes slip off holds 

  • Happens when shoes get older

  • Holds get more slippery when residue builds up. Rubber residue is particularly hard to clean — the hold needs to be removed and power washed. 

• When someone drops carabiner on an auto belay and it retracts to the top of the wall

  • This requires someone to go retrieve it 

• Carrying large amounts of heavy gear 

Insights:

• Chalk is not necessarily used by every climbing indoors because a lot of chalk is already present on the holds. 

• Beginners tend to struggle with harnesses, especially kids. They may flip the harness the wrong way or put a leg in the wrong way. 

  • There are some visual cues but few designs themselves that prevent misuse.

Requirements for a Product:

• Easy to use

• Provides safe experience

• Cost effective