Background
I wanted to get into fitness but encountered several challenges at my school's gym, the RSF. I felt insecure about using the machines. Additionally, the weight room was consistently overcrowded, leading to long wait times and a less efficient workout experience. I noticed that many of my fellow students were experiencing the same issues. The current RSF Weight Room Crowd Meter is also outdated and not mobile friendly.
These recurring issues made me wonder if there could be a more effective way to improve the gym experience for myself and others, ensuring a more accessible and enjoyable environment.
Solution
A user-friendly gym app designed to enhance the overall experience for students at the RSF. The goal is to help students navigate weight room crowding by providing real-time updates on wait times and offers tailored workout plans to boost confidence and efficiency. By addressing these key pain points, the app aims to create a more accessible and enjoyable gym environment for all students.
Type
Mobile App
Role
Research & UX/UI
Timeline
Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2023
RSF
Your Gym, Your Schedule
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Surveys and Interviews
01 Research
What Makes the RSF Experience so Difficult?
I wanted to dive deeper to understand how individuals experience and perceive the RSF gym. I wanted to understand people's motivations for using the RSF, their challenges or frustrations, and what factors influenced their overall satisfaction and frequency of visits.
I reviewed discussions on Reddit, where users can anonymously share their opinions. I found over 20 posts expressing frustration with the overcrowded wait times at the RSF. Here are some of people’s experiences:
I interviewed 5 students and received 15 survey responses. All of them came from students ranging from ages 17 - 24 and of all fitness levels from beginner to advanced. I wanted my insights to be diverse so that my research results could be applicable to as many students as possible.
"It’s hard for motivation and drive to not evaporate completely in the chaotic and unpleasant environment of RSF."
"Is it worth waiting in line for RSF weight room?"
”I’d like to start at the rsf but I’m too intimidated and idk how to use most the the machines”
04 User Feedback
05 Back to The Drawing Board
Revisions
Users expressed that they would like the app to provide more options of available machines that would achieve similar goals. They also stated how it would be nice to have a queue system that would alert you when the machine is available for your turn. This way users would not have to awkwardly wait around for the machine to become available and could use their time more efficiently.
After receiving feed back from 30 people, I learned that my UI felt crowded, not consistent, and that my use of color was either overwhelming/ inaccessible. For example, I previously used colors red and green to show when equipment was available. This did not take into consideration people with color blindness.
Solutions
To solve this, I used image icons instead so that users did not have to solely rely on color to understand information. I increased spacing, typography hierarchy, and color contrast. I also decided to do research on sensor networks, data transmission, and data analytics to see if my new features were feasible (they were!). I also created more user flows that allowed users to have more personalization.
All users felt that the design was intuitive and appreciated that it was RSF specific. They felt that this could actually enhance their gym experience and was an app they would be interested in using.
Overcrowding
Users face significant frustration due to the gym being overcrowded, leading to long waits for equipment and reduced overall satisfaction.
Lack of Support
There is a strong need for accessible and affordable resources and support for new users to help them get started and stay motivated.
Low Moral
Many students have low moral when it comes to going to the RSF due to these repeating issues.
Identifying Patterns in Student’s RSF Experience
Breaking Down the Problem
Personas
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Prioritizing Features
Sketching Out My Ideas
User Flow
02 Results
To better empathize with the users and grasp differing needs, I further synthesized my research and came up with the following personas:
At this stage, I felt ready to start identifying the features within my app. I understood my target users, and had defined the main problems my users were facing with their RSF gym experience. With this, I began to brainstorm features that would create the most viable solutions.
By looking at user's main pain points I considered how the app could address these issues by enabling users to take targeted actions that lead to improvements. For example:
I knew that I wanted to make an RSF specific app that students could use quickly on the go between classes and extracurriculars. I brainstormed various app features that I believed would provide the most support for students. I wanted the app to feel fun, modern, and comfortable.
I created a priority matrix to help me determine which features would be included in the app. I also made sure to take a step back and remember that the goal was not to create just another generic fitness app but an RSF specific app that would enhance people's RSF experiences.
I created a user flow map to better understand and define architecture of the app. I wanted to make sure the app felt easy and intuitive. This also helped me recognize edge cases that I would not have before.
I choose RSF bc its free and closest to me. I would prefer a different gym though
Distance
There is no other free gym for students nearby
Convenient
too crowded
too many people, I feel like Im wasting time standing in line.
RSF is too crowded and theres only one smith machine
crowded
Really long lines
I know we have RSF, but how do ppl really start working out? what routine to keep nor how to use the gym machine. I'm super introverted.
I want to start going to the gym and improving my health but i don't really know how.Those RSF trainers cost like 60 dollars an hour which is no good for me.
I wanna start working out but I've literally never worked out before so I have no clue what to do or what not to do.
I need workout ideas
Predict times you should go to gym based off personal schedule
time check for when equipment is open
ease of access and use
Video guides on how to safely use equipment
smelly, always busy
bad gym etiquette
I try to avoid waiting in line even if it means skipping part of my workout
too crowded, didnt like waiting in line, not equipment
depending on the time of day, it can take like 20-30 min just to get inside the main room, and by that time all the machines are taken soo
Usually use row machines so ok, sometimes weights are more crowded
Is it normal to wait over half an hour for a bench press?
RSF – hate running into people
Always crowded so dont go very often
Location, proximety
Free
Overcrowding/ wait times
Poor etiquette
convenience
needs/ guidance
Uncertainty
Trials
Action
Triumph
Uncertainty of the
gym's current capacity
Real time crowd meter
Optimize personal gym schedule
Fear of using gym
equipment incorrectly
Tutorials of how to use equipment
Confidence and safety
Low moral
and motivation
Sharing workouts with friends
Encouragement and motivation
High Impact
Low Impact
Low Urgency
High
Urgency
Real-time crowd meter
Machine crowd meter
Millestone
Locker availability
Adding gym availability to schedule
Gamification
Tutorials
Friend’s activity
Workout suggestions
trends
Leaderboards
Michael
Age 22 | Advanced
Needs:
Needs to go to the gym before and after class
Wants to do gym routine without disruption
Frustrations:
Waits 20 minutes to get into the RSF.
Waits another 30 minutes to use the press machine
Has to change his work routine and life schedule so that he can use the gym during less crowded hours
Michelle
Age 19 | Beginner
Needs:
Wants to start her fitness journey
Needs a quieter place to try different workouts
Needs affordable resources
Frustrations:
Cannot learn certain machines due to overcrowding
Feels anxious with so any people in the RSF
Has no clue where to start
The Current RSF Weight Room Crowd Meter
Mid-Fidelity
The current RSF crowd meter is visually unappealing and not mobile-friendly, making it inconvenient for students who primarily check schedules and updates on their phones.
03 Design
Real time crowd meter that lets students know the best times to go to the gym and which equipment is available, making their workouts more efficient.
Personalized workouts with video tutorials that help students discover new exercises and suggest routines based on target muscles, making it easier for those new to the RSF.
Community page where students can feel a sense of belonging, boost their motivation, and find support while discovering new gym events.
A personal profile that helps students track their progress and goals—putting them in control of their schedule, not the gym's busyness.
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Chan
10/18/2002
Female
English
5’7”
131 lb
sonya.chan@berkeley.edu
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Sonya Chan
sonya.chan@berkeley.edu
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Workouts Per Week
Link Google calendar
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My Profile
Age
Total Time
kcal burnt
Progress
Level
Weight
21
18h
3,214
05
131
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4/5 available
Stair Master
Shoulder Press
Stair Master
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Not available
Available
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06 Final Prototype
I wanted the app to make people feel energized and motivated while maintaining a refined yet friendly look. I also wanted to incorporate Berkeley's school color so students could feel more connected.
07 Reflections
The Essential Role of Passion and Purpose in Projects.
As someone who is new to the gym, this project resonated deeply with me. I often feel nervous going to the RSF, which allowed me to empathize with many of the students I interviewed. This empathy helped me gain valuable user insights. I am always seeking more efficient ways to complete tasks and aim to support others in their journey. I believe this project has the potential to benefit many people, and I hope to develop it into a full-stack solution.
Never overlook edge cases: They’re key to creating a mobile app that performs well for every user.
This project reminded me that edge cases are essential for uncovering the details often overlooked. Design is rarely a straightforward journey, and this experience underscored the importance of user testing and thinking outside the box. Moving forward, I plan to focus more on user testing and consider the input of real-world stakeholders to create the best possible version of the app.
Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth—they’re crucial for learning and improvement.
I made mistakes and felt very lost at times, but I ultimately gained valuable lessons and had a lot of fun. I am excited to see how much I will grow.
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Helena
Vuong
10/18/2002
Female
English
5’7”
131 lb
helena.vuong@berkeley.edu
Account Settings
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Onboarding
Students can easily create a personal account and log in.
Know Before You Go
Students can check real-time crowd levels and capacity trends to plan their gym visits strategically, reducing overcrowding and wait times.
They can also monitor equipment availability, find alternatives for the same muscle groups, and join a waitlist for a more efficient, stress-free workout.
Stay Active Together
Students can share workouts with friends, motivating each other to stay active.
The community page helps students discover classes and group activities, fostering a more positive and connected gym environment.
Navigate the Gym, No Sweat
Students can plan workouts, track progress, and discover tailored exercises that match their fitness goals.
Explore workouts targeting specific muscle groups, access tutorials on proper machine usage, and reduce uncertainty by learning how to use gym equipment confidently.
Personal
Dashboard
Students can customize their profiles, track personal progress, and set fitness goals. This helps them stay motivated and monitor their achievements over time.
