Spark
I designed a concept of a mobile fitness saas platform that helps beginners build confidence and consistency in their fitness journey.
UX Research, affinity mapping, wireframing, user testing.
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Personal Project
The Problem
Beginners in fitness often struggle to stay consistent, especially when life gets busy. They also have difficulty finding exercises that feel valuable or relevant to their personal goals, and at times even feel uncomfortable performing certain movements.
The Solution
The platform focuses on short-term goal setting to create a stronger sense of accountability for beginners in fitness. Combined with features like freeze tokens, short post-break exercises, and swappable workouts, the platform keeps beginners engaged in their routines.
How do Beginners Approach Fitness?
I wanted to understand how people's intrinsic motivations influence how they approach fitness, so that I can design an experience that better supports long-term engagement, learning, and personal progress.
I Interviewed 4 Beginners, and 4 Avid Gym Goers
Problem 1
Beginners are consistent when working towards a short-term goal, not long-term goals.
Problem 2
Accessibility issues and lack of equipment limit exercise options, leaving beginners unconfident to substitute exercises found online.
Problem 3
Beginners are motivated by workout streaks, but find it difficult to regain momentum after breaks.
Their Motivation is fragile. How Might We...
Goal Setting
How might we encourage beginners to set meaningful short-term goals that keep them engaged.
Find Similar Exercises
How might we help those with accessibility or comfort concerns find substitutable exercises and equipment.
Post-Break Workouts
How might we help beginners feel motivated after a period of time off to regain momentum and resume their workouts.
Fitbod
AI app that builds workout plans based on your fitness goals, experience level, past performance, and available equipment.
Centr
Holistic fitness and wellness app. Users set fitness goals and preferences to get trainer-led exercise videos and self-guided sessions.
Nike Training Club
Trainer-led programs that help users build consistent exercise habits and reach goals. Includes strength training, conditioning/HIIT, yoga, mobility, and recovery.
The Unique Selling Point
Goal setting front and center. Competing platforms are missing this entirely.
Few offer detailed, personalized workout plans.
Cut beginners some slack and encourage breaks.
Unique Selling Point Features
Freeze Your Streak with Tokens
Beginners are going to fall out of routine no matter what. The ability to freeze their streak could help them feel like they're still being successful and encourage them to get back into it when that happens.
Goal Setting Front-and-Center
By encouraging meaningful short-term goal setting, beginners would feel a sense of personal accountability and have something specific to work towards.
Short Exercises After Breaks
Working out is not a habit for beginners yet, so it's not something they think about after time off. Encouraging short exercises in these moments could allow them to slowly regain their momentum.
Business Goals
Cater to beginners by offering unique features that encourage long term fitness consistency.
User Goals
Create a flexible exercise routine that keeps them consistent and helps them understand the value in their workouts.
What kind of Beginner is this Product For?
Max: The Beginner, 27
Views fitness as a personal journey to feel stronger and fit in his day-to-day. He enjoys keeping track of his progress, but has trouble staying consistent. He knows the basic exercises, but often feels overwhelmed choosing which ones to do and why.
I need an easier way to find or create my fitness routine and to stay consistent. One that I feel comfortable with, and that I trust is going to help me achieve my fitness goals.
Tech & Tools
Uses Strava to keep track of runs and personal metrics. When he lifts weight, he'll use the We Glow app to guide him through his routines. He used to use the Strong app, but he felt the UI was outdated.
Goals
- Build a sustainable fitness routine
- Gain strength and confidence lifting weights
- Feel less intimidated and more knowledgeable about exercises and fitness routines
- He wants a simple, clear routine that helps him progress toward his goals without much planning and overthinking
Pain Points
- He doesn't know how to choose the right exercises or structure workouts due to limited experience with strength training
- He finds online fitness content untrustworthy, overwhelming and confusing
- He struggles to restart after breaks, making long-term consistency difficult
- Sometimes feels pain from day-to-day life, and occasionally gets injured, which makes finding substitute exercises more difficult
User Flows Highlighted Key Screens
Mapping out Rough concepts for Key Flows
I'm not sure what I'm looking at here. How do I swap an exercise?
Said 5 of 6 Testers
I can't find the freeze streak page
Said 4 of 6 Testers
Testers Intuitively Completed Flows on Updated Design
User Goals
Create a flexible exercise routine that keeps them consistent and helps them understand the value in their workouts.
Business Goals
Cater to beginners by offering unique features that encourage long term fitness consistency.
The Users' Problems
4 of 4 beginner interviewees mentioned they have trouble staying consistent, especially after breaks.
3 of 4 beginner interviewees mentioned they have trouble finding substitute exercises for those that they don't have equipment for or that they're not comfortable with.
1 of 4 beginner interviewees mentioned they lack exercise knowledge, so they don't see as much value in their routines.
The Business Solution
Focusing on short-term goal setting creates a stronger sense of accountability for beginners in fitness. Combined with features like freeze tokens, short post-break exercises, and swappable workouts, the platform is more likely to keep our persona engaged than competing products.
What Else Could be Done?
A B2B Relationship with Healthy Restaurants
An integrated feature to the streak system. The user earns coupons to healthy restaurants the more they stay on track.
A Platform for Beginners to Become Pros
Is there a way to intuitively educate beginners about reps and sets tracking for progressive overload?
