The client was interested in starting up a sports brand and recognising the value of skipping as a form of exercise, wanted to launch with a skipping rope. The question posed was:

What makes a good skipping rope?

The following conclusions were arrived at with extensive and detailed testing:

• The bearing surface should be consistent but not completely smooth. The feel of “zzz” or “ssh” when spinning helps to communicate the speed of the rope.
• The handle should be light weight and rigid to aid the transmission of vibrations.
• The length of the rope should be easily adjustable because small changes can feel quite different.
• Subtle surface texture promotes confidence in grip and awareness of shifts in grip.
• Handle geometry is of less importance; shorter gives better feedback and longer gives better control.