MoveIT app & smartwatch
- Fictional Case Study

 

Research/UX/UI/2 devices
Sector: Public/health and fitness
Project time: 4 weeks

Image of hi-fi prototype

Background/brief

Exercise mobile app that works with a smartwatch. 
Design a cohesive cross-device experience:

- reducing cognitive load

- ensure workouts can fit into the users everyday life

- keeping the routines simple, regular and sustainable

 

My role

As part of a team of three I took on the roles of: researcher, strategic planning, UI designer, prototype designer. We all contributed equally in all parts, what set me apart would be my ability to focus on the goal, keep the team moving forward and make sure we had time for each stage of the design process. 
 

The design process

EMPATHISE
After creating the primary persona the team created two user flows to illustrate how the mobile app and smartwatch will function together seamlessly.

Image of persona
Image of user flows

IDEATE
- reference research
- explore visual designs and looks
- determine what features are best suited for cross-device applications

 

Sketch and NUF-test

Inspired by the research we sketched out a few ideas we had in mind for the MoveIT app and performed a NUF-test.

The result gave us a clear indication of what should be included in the MoveIT app - focusing on customisable content, accessibility features and seamless syncing between devices.

Image of sketches and NUF-test

PROTOTYPE

Design choices

  • Dark and light mode for both devices. Dark mode by default on the phone to mirror the smartwatch app.

  • Playful colour palette that is well adapted to dark mode and feels lively and engaging, giving the app more personality to stand out from other exercise apps.

  • Overall simple design and flows.

  • Cognitive overload is prevented by giving the user a process (phone and then smartwatch) to reach their goal in a logical order.

  • Focus on clarity and simplicity – cards and infographics. Making the exercise routine easy to manage.
  • Design decisions are based on the smartwatch, i.e. – the smaller screen and highlight the absolutely most necessary first.

  • The mobile app contains richer data and metrics, providing detail view of training habits and results.

  • Tap, swipe and voice control are selected as main gestures.
  • Phone app accessibility options - subtitled video and voiceover.

  • Smartwatch accessibility options - voiceover.

  • Selected fonts are Apple default (San Francisco) - SF Compact for Apple Watch and SF Pro for iPhone. 

 

Image of colour swatches

Lo-fi prototype phone and smartwatch

Image of lo-fi prototype

Hi-fi prototype phone and smartwatch

Image of hi-fi prototype phone
Image of hi-fi prototype smartwatch

Solution

The phone app serves as the primary hub. It allows the user to easily search and select suitable workouts and view it on phone or smartwatch. Once completed, workout details such as time taken, calories burned and heart rate are saved and can be reviewed over time with trends displayed across days, weeks, and months.

The smartwatch app complements the phone app by focusing on glanceable and real-time information. This ensures that the user can stay informed and motivated during a workout without distractions.

Together, the two apps create a seamless experience - the phone app provides depth and detailed control, while the smartwatch ensures quick accessibility and ongoing awareness.

 

Challenges

Creating a cohesive cross-device experience given the small size of the watch display. Providing impactful support to fit workouts into a busy lifestyle.

 

Outcome

The MoveIT app creates a seamless fitness experience by uniting the strengths of phone and smartwatch platforms.

 

Knowledge gained and next steps

It has been instructive working on two devices, creating a seamless flow. It has been both challenging and fun.


Next steps:
- Run usability test with hi-fi prototype on both user flows (phone and smartwatch)
- SWOT-analysis and competitive market research