Kara Derrow, left, and Brian Derrow, right, have introduced DeulEX, a kit for stationary exercise equipment that allows users to virtually explore the world.
Since its beginning, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been fostering the growth of its students’ creativity, innovation and knowledge. Brian Derrow, a second-generation SIUE alum, and Kara Derrow, a current SIUE student, are showcasing a prime example of the “Power of the e.”
Brian, a 2011 graduate of the School of Engineering, is launching a Kickstarter project for a new product that transforms exercise to exploration. DeulEX is a kit for stationary exercise equipment which allows the user to virtually explore the world.
DeulEX seamlessly integrates with most exercise equipment. It consists of a speed sensor and joystick that attaches to an existing windows tablet or computer with a USB cable. Imagine riding through the St. Louis Arch, along The Great Wall of China or under the Eifel Tower during your next workout.
With stunning satellite imagery and surrounding 3D buildings, the faster you move in real life, the faster you go in Google Earth. You have full direction control at your fingertips, so you can explore anywhere you want with no restrictions.
DeulEX brings new life to your exercise equipment by taking your mind away from how long you have been exercising and gives you a place to go. A typical two-mile struggle now becomes an eight-mile journey.
While a senior at SIUE, Brian and two friends began the development of the DeulEX product. SIUE’s Senior Design Program is one of the University’s many fine programs that put students on the right path to succeed in the workplace. SIUE was recognized for seven-consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report in its publication, “America’s Best Colleges 2012,” for having an outstanding senior capstone experience.
Students display their acquired working knowledge by developing a project in a similar manor to the project development cycle found in their intended industry. The DuelEX prototype was set up in the student fitness center where everyone was able to virtually explore the world while providing valuable feedback.
The design also was featured at SIUE’s 2011 Senior Showcase. Visitors were able to hop on a stationary bicycle and explore the streets of multiple cities from St. Louis to Hong Kong.
“It was the fantastic support from the SIUE community that helped propel the prototype from a concept in 2011 to the finished product that we have today,” Derrow said. “While at SIUE, I was able to collaborate with professors and deans from multiple colleges including the College of Engineering and School of Business.
“The SIUE environment encourages multidisciplinary learning enrichment and collaboration. Coupled with its strong networks, this is a truly unique and powerful combination that makes SIUE a gem.”
One of SIUE’s newer clubs, started in 2010, is the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization. CEO sponsors “The Other 40” pitch competition where students can pitch their business ideas for a chance at initial seed money. The DeulEX concept was pitched at the competition and won second place.
“The Other 40” competition’s success allowed for investing additional money into the design and brought it to production worthy status,” Derrow added.
During September, the DeulEX product was launched on Kickstarter.com in hopes of bringing the invention out of the basement and into the marketplace. The website is full of projects of all sizes that are brought to life through the support of everyday people. People who fund ideas on Kickstarter often find the project interesting and want to be among the first to try it out.
This particular crowd sourcing capital concept is advantageous for inventors, because the project creators keep 100% ownership of their work. Since Kickstarter’s launch in 2009, more than 4.3 million people have pledged funding for more than 43,000 projects.
DeulEX, which is proudly made in Illinois, will hopefully be added to the list of successful launches. DeulEX provides everyone with a new adventure every day. It is also perfect for individuals required to do physical therapy or for students interested in world geography and architecture while maintaining an active lifestyle.
SIUE and its networks, including the Alumni Association, provide the tools for past and present students to move forward with their ideas such as DeulEX. To learn more about the product launch for this American-made, SIUE born innovation, visit www.DeulEX.com.