Stationary Bike Does Not Pass Inspection

       This stationary bicycle on the lower left side of the page is what many people would see as their mental model of a stationary bike. However, take a closer look at the top right image. While riding this bicycle, I wanted to adjust the handles so that they are closer to my body, which would allow me to ride the bicycle and hold on without bending over and hurting my back. However, this is as close to me as the handle bars would go. But doesn't it appear that the handles could be moved closer to me since there is still one more hole? Well, that's what I thought until I realized that the metal piece with the knob is not attached to the the handles and is just there to help hold the metal bar that goes through it. So, if I would want to push the handle bars farther out I could, but then they would be even less usable for me as a rider. Another problem with this bike is that in order to adjust certain parts, the rider has to stop cycling and get off.
       First, let me offer some some insight and basic solutions to the handle bar problem. While I understand that racing bicycle enthusiasts ride crunched over, I believe the designer should have allowed the bar to come closer to the rider for those who use the bike leisurely. The designer also should have not made the metal piece appear to be attached to the handles, which makes the rider think that the handle bars could be moved closer to the body when in fact, they can't be. By using Human-Centered Design, I could find a solution to this problem. I would make the handles and the metal piece with the knob connected; this would reduce errors and allow for the user to move the handles forward and back with ease. In The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, Norman explains that when creating designs, designers should focus on the "physical anthropometry" of the object; that is, making the object usable for people of all sizes. I believe one way of doing this and solving the problem of having to stop cycling to adjust certain features would be to have electronic controls connected to the handle bars that could control the seat and handle bar positioning. While I just named a few improvements that this bicycle should have, designers could use Human-Centered Design and test the object on subjects to make a product that is the more usable.