FitLinkup is a user-friendly app that enables users to connect with compatible fitness partners and personal trainers in their local area. FitLinkup is designed for fitness enthusiasts and active individuals seeking companionship on their fitness journey.
Date:
May 2023 - July 2023
Role:
UX designer responsible for all aspects of the design process for the FitLinkup mobile app and responsive website.
Problem:
Active individuals struggle to find suitable fitness partners in their local area, leading to a lack of motivation and repetitive patterns in their fitness journey.
Goal:
Goal with FitLinkup app is to help people find workout partners and create a supportive community for staying motivated and committed to fitness goals.
Dedicated Mobile App
Dedicated Mobile App
User Research
I did research by creating a survey to learn more about the people I want to reach and what they need. I also made user personas based on the real individuals from my research and wrote down problem statements to better understand their needs.
A primary user group identified through research was people who are interested in sports and fitness with varied fitness levels and goals. I had my assumptions confirmed that the majority of users prefer to use a dedicated mobile application instead of a website when searching for fitness buddies. However, the research also revealed an interesting finding regarding the search for fitness buddies. I found out that the users place a higher priority on searching based on specific sports and activities, as well as fitness levels, rather than location. I also found out that quite a few individuals have used a fitness buddy finder app before.
Persona 1
Problem statement:
Sarah is an active psychology student who needs to find like-minded fitness buddies because she seeks motivation and support to stay consistent with her busy schedule and try new sports activities together.
Persona 2
Problem statement:
Alex is a busy project manager and fitness enthusiast who needs to find fitness partners that match his passion for intense physical activities because he wants to avoid being stuck in a repetitive fitness routine and wishes to achieve new levels of fitness progress.
Crazy Eights
I did an ideation exercise called "Crazy eights" to quickly come up with ideas for the FitLinkup app.
Paper Wireframes
To generate numerous ideas, I created five different versions of each app screen and highlighted the best parts with stars. I then refined those chosen elements to create a polished version of each screen.
Digital Wireframes
When I was done ideating and wireframing on paper, I moved on and created digital wireframes and a low-fi prototype for FitLinkup app. I focused on the main user flow, finding and connecting with potential fitness buddies.
Usability Study
Parameters
Study type:
Unmoderated usability study
Location:
Remote
Participants:
5 participants
Length:
5-10 minutes
Findings
Small Icons:
Some users found the icons on the filtering screen of the Discover page to be too small.
Schedule Visibility:
Users would like to view upcoming activities not only below the calendar but also integrated within the calendar interface.
Gym Memberships:
There is a user demand for a function that allows users to include their gym memberships on their profiles, enabling them to connect with individuals who share the same memberships.
Mockups
Based on the insights from the usability study, I applied design changes to the app and moved further with the mockups and hi-fi prototype.
Before usability study
After usability study
Here I added an option to include gym memberships on users profile. I also changed how the goals section are displayed.
Before usability study
After usability study
I also added indication about upcoming activity not only below the calendar, but also integrated inside the calendar with a small blue circle above the date.
Accessibility considerations
To establish a clear visual hierarchy, headings were implemented with varying text sizes.
By employing contrasting color combinations between the foreground and background, I ensured an inclusive app experience, allowing users with visual impairments to easily perceive and navigate the content.
A floating Call-to-Action (CTA) button was implemented throughout the app. This prominent button ensures that users can easily locate and access the accessibility settings at any point during their interaction with the application.
Complementary responsive website
Complementary responsive website
Responsive designs
I created different designs for FitLinkup's website to suit mobile, tablet, and desktop screens. Each design was made to fit the specific needs of users on those devices, providing an excellent browsing experience.
Takeaways
Impact:
Users expressed satisfaction and a positive experience with the website. One quote from peer feedback was: “I love how easy it is to find and connect with fitness buddies on FitLinkup. The interface is intuitive and visually appealing”.
What I learned:
I learned that designing for social good is very fun and challenging at the same time. Designing for such a big and diverse group of users made me really think of different users needs and how to make the product easily accessible and useful for everyone.
Next steps
Conduct extensive user testing on both the mobile app and responsive website to gather valuable feedback and insights. Then use feedback to iterate further on the designs.
Measure if FitLinkup positively impacts fitness, well-being, and community involvement among the users.
Ideate new features and gather more research about user needs to keep the FitLinkup app relevant and useful for all users.