Mobile Sports App Re-Design: One2One.Run
Client
One2One.Run
Deliverable
UX Research, New Event Feature, MVP Mobile UI Re-Design
Role
UX Research, Product Design
Timeline
2 weeks
Project Brief
This 2-week UX/UI project was set out to empower participants on One2One.Run, an AI-powered social platform for runners, to become event creators. The primary goal was to reconsider the current UX/UI design of the platform and design a user-friendly feature that makes organising exciting outdoor running events a breeze. The Minimum Viable Product re-design prioritises a sleek UI and a user-centric experience to not only boost event creation but also foster a thriving running community with a particular emphasis on simplifying connectivity and planning for users.
User Research Design
This project began with an in-depth interview with the client to outline the business needs, to define the project goals, and scope within a two-week timeframe. The primary goal for the stakeholder was to increase user growth and retention through the introduction of a new event creation feature and an improved, user-centred interface design.
To address this design challenge, a user research methodology was implemented as follows:
Secondary Research: A market and competitor analysis was conducted to identify opportunities within the running app landscape and understand the client's competitive advantage.
Primary Research:
Qualitative and Quantitative Survey: Survey to gather user feedback on their current experience, identify pain points, and understand preferences for the new event creation feature.
Usability Testing and A/B Testing: Usability testing to evaluate user interactions with the existing app and potential design solutions for the new feature. A/B testing was set for further design refinement based on user data.
By conducting this multi-pronged user research approach, we aimed to gain valuable insights into user needs and preferences. This research formed the foundation for developing a user-centric event creation feature and redesigning the mobile app UI for a more engaging user experience. To leverage the existing user base and gain valuable insights quickly, primary research was conducted with current mobile app users.
Secondary Research: The Business Landscape
Our research phase kicked off with market research, revealing a booming global sports technology market with a projected CAGR of 17.9% and a forecasted size of $55.9 billion by 2030.
We then analyzed major competitors like Strava, Nike Running Club, Adidas, and Asics. While these apps share One2One.Run's niche and offer community and personalization features, their focus leans towards a competitive approach to running routines. This positions One2One.Run uniquely within the running app niche, fostering a close-knit community with a low barrier to entry and beginner-friendly approach. It capitalizes on the opportunity to connect runners in real-life settings.
Competitor Analysis
Bridging Business Goals with Users Needs: Primary Research
Building on the insights gained from market analysis and the stakeholder interview, we conducted a comprehensive user research phase with One2One.Run app users. This research combined qualitative and quantitative methods:
Qualitative Research: Stakeholder interviews and user surveys provided valuable insights into user demographics, goals, and pain points.
Quantitative Research: User surveys and usability testing allowed us to gather measurable data on user behavior and preferences.
The initial research phases (stakeholder interview and secondary research) helped us formulate hypotheses about user needs. Our primary research then focused on testing these hypotheses and gaining a deeper understanding of:
User Demographics: Who are the core users of the platform?
User Onboarding: How do users find and navigate the app initially?
User Pain Points & Needs: What are the main challenges users face within the app?
Feature Preferences: What functionalities do users find most desirable? (e.g., matching based on running preferences)
Surveys revealed a strong user preference for connecting with runners who share similar interests, routines, pace, and location. Usability tests further identified core weaknesses in the app's UX/UI design, which were hindering user retention and engagement.
The Design Challenge
“Runners struggle to connect and plan outdoor activities in the One2One.Run app due to usability issues with navigation and interface design”
Translating Users Needs by Ideating Solutions
User research insights led us to define Oliver, our 32-year-old Social Runner persona who recently moved to Berlin seeking running buddies and community. To address Oliver's needs within the identified problem statement – our design challenge, we brainstormed using Crazy 8's and MoSCoW methods to prioritize solutions. Focusing on "Must-Have" features, we prioritized a clear onboarding process, event/match recommendations nearby, an interactive workout calendar in an enhanced UX/UI design.
New Visual Identity
Building on initial sketches, our design team crafted a refined user journey for Oliver within the One2One.Run app: after a structured onboarding showcasing the new UI, he browses events, joins one, creates his own, and tracks his workouts in a personalized calendar. To evoke a modern and friendlier vibe to the brand, we chose a lively lime green as the primary color, complemented by neutral greys for an urban touch.
Iterative A/B testing informs the Design Direction
Testing Information Architecture on the Main Page:
We employed A/B testing to ensure a user-centric design approach. Initially, we compared the new low-fidelity wireframes with high-fidelity screens of the existing app design. This helped us evaluate the user experience specifically regarding information layout on the home page.
Our A/B test focused on how users interacted with the main page and its ability to help them find runners and events. We presented them with two versions of the design in low-fidelity wireframes showcasing two different approaches:
Option 1 (Based on Existing Design): This mirrored the current app's two-folded vertically-oriented structure with tabs for runners and runs. While in the old design there is no filtering options offered for the information, in the new design, the runs tab offers a further split for challenges and events. Runners are filtered at the same time by rank and proximity.
Option 2 (Our Proposed Redesign): We abandoned the existing app's tab structure. Instead, we offered a horizontal split of the information on the home page:
Top: Best running matches based on user preferences/suggestions.
Down to the Bottom: Nearby runners and runs.
Users' feedback informed our design direction, as exemplified by Kevin's comment: "I prefer the new approach to the screens in your user flow. In terms of events, it's good that you can have an overlap of the different types of running events right away on the home page."
Mid-Fidelity Design for User Validation
Mid-Fidelity Design A/B Testing:
Based on feedback, we moved forward with a mid-fidelity design emphasizing the event creation feature through a central placement in the bottom navigation bar. We conducted another A/B test focusing on the new user experience (UX) for filtering and creating events within the updated user interface (UI) in two options:
Option 1: Split social running into “events“ and “challenges“ with a tab, intoduced in the middle of the home page, along with the filtering option
Option 2: Vertical structure to different categories of social running.
The user response was firmly positive about the Re-design Option 2. Users validated the new UI, highlighting its clarity, user-friendliness, and overall less competitive and friendlier experience compared to the existing misleading design. Notably, users found it easier to locate sport events and the event creation feature compared to the challenges of the old UI navigation.
Usability Testing
Upon completing the basic version of our app mid-fidelity prototype, we tested it with users following the path. Excitingly, every user completed the tasks with a 100% success rate, and there were no suggestions for improvements during the tests, indicating a smooth and user-friendly experience and the team has completed the HIgh-fidelity MVP Prototype.
DEMO
Takeaways
This project yielded valuable insights applicable to mobile app development within the competitive sports technology space. Here's what we discovered:
User-Centred Design Delivers Results: In-depth user research exposed usability issues hindering the user experience. By addressing these issues through a user-centred UI redesign, we improved the app's usability and clarity, leading to a significant increase in user retention and event participation. This demonstrates the power of prioritising user needs throughout the design process.
Community Fosters Engagement: The project reinforced the importance of fostering a strong community within the app. This community can provide support, motivation, and a sense of belonging, encouraging runners to maintain their routines and participate in events.
Differentiation is Key: A clear and unique selling proposition (USP) is crucial for any app to stand out in a crowded marketplace. One2One.Run can leverage its focus on user needs and building a strong community experience to differentiate itself from competitors in the sports technology market.
Onboarding Matters: A well-designed onboarding process is essential to ensure users understand the app's features and functionalities effectively. A smooth onboarding experience can lead to higher user retention and engagement from the very beginning.
Iterative Design for Success: Throughout the project, we employed an iterative design approach. This involved continuous evaluation and refinement based on user feedback through A/B testing. This ensures a user-centred design that prioritises ease of use, clear information architecture, and a welcoming atmosphere for runners to connect and create events.
These learnings highlight the importance of understanding user needs, fostering a strong community, and continuously iterating on the design based on user feedback. By prioritising these elements, mobile apps can create a more engaging and successful user experience.
Further Considerations
Expanding the Platform: The design team recommends exploring the possibility of expanding the platform to encompass other sports beyond running.
Integrating Progress Tracking: Implementing GPS-enabled progress tracking features could further enhance user engagement and contribute to achieving the startup's KPIs and overall business goals.