The user tests highlighted five guidelines that the design of the BHF pedometer should follow - proportion and order, a large display, less features, a friendly aesthetic and low cost.

1) Proportion and order: When setting up the pedometer (inputting stride length etc) the menu button is used, but it is never needed after that. This button should not have the same order of size as the other function buttons.

2) A large display: Increasing the on-screen digit size will make the display much easier for older people, and everyone, to read.

3) Less features: Manufacturers generally tack on as many features as they can, most of which are not needed. The BHF pedometer keeps the number of functions down to the minimum.

4) Friendly aesthetic: Rather than look like a black box, or cold and 'techie' as most pedometers do, the BHF pedometer has a friendly, customisable and personal look, in line with products such as the Apple iMac or mobile phones.

5) Low cost: After speaking to existing and potential walkers, this was the single most important factor as to whether low income groups or older people would buy one. The target price for the BHF pedometer was set at £5.