Background
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 and unsure how to create a structured workout routine. 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.
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.
I wanted to get into fitness but encountered several challenges at my school's gym, the RSF. I felt insecure about using the machines and unsure how to create a structured workout routine. 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.
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.
I wanted to get into fitness but encountered several challenges at my school's gym, the RSF. I felt insecure about using the machines and unsure how to create a structured workout routine. 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.
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
Solution
Type
Mobile App
Role
Research & UX/UI
Timeline
Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2023
Type
Mobile App
Role
Research & UX/UI
Timeline
Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2023
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.
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.
01 Research
01 Research
01 Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
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.
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.
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.
Some personal experiences from Reddit.com
Some personal experiences from Reddit.com
"Is it worth waiting in line for RSF weight room?"
"Is it worth waiting in line for RSF weight room?"
"Is it worth waiting in line for RSF weight room?"
"It’s hard for motivation and drive to not evaporate completely in the chaotic and unpleasant environment of RSF."
"It’s hard for motivation and drive to not evaporate completely in the chaotic and unpleasant environment of RSF."
"It’s hard for motivation and drive to not evaporate completely in the chaotic and unpleasant environment of RSF."
"I wanna work out at the RSF but have no clue what to do"
"I wanna work out at the RSF but have no clue what to do"
"I wanna work out at the RSF but have no clue what to do"
"Discouraged from working out at RSF"
"Discouraged from working out at RSF"
"Discouraged from working out at RSF"
Surveys and Interviews
Surveys and Interviews
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
02 Results
02 Results
02 Results
Affinity Mapping
Affinity Mapping
I synthesized all my research to understand student's main pain points, motivations, and needs.
I synthesized all my research to understand student's main pain points, motivations, and needs.
I synthesized all my research to understand student's main pain points, motivations, and needs.
Breaking Down the Problem
Breaking Down the Problem
Overcrowding
Overcrowding
Users face significant frustration due to the gym being overcrowded, leading to long waits for equipment and reduced overall satisfaction.
Users face significant frustration due to the gym being overcrowded, leading to long waits for equipment and reduced overall satisfaction.
Lack of Support
Lack of Support
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.
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
Low Moral
Low Moral
Many students have low moral when it comes to going to the RSF due to these repeating issues.
Many students have low moral when it comes to going to the RSF due to these repeating issues.
Personas
Personas
To better empathize with the users and grasp differing needs, I further synthesized my research and came up with the following personas:
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.
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.
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.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
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:
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:
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:
Real time crowd meter
Real time crowd meter
Tutorials of how to use equipment
Tutorials of how to use equipment
Sharing workouts with friends
Sharing workouts with friends
Uncertainty of the
gym's current capacity
Fear of using gym
equipment incorrectly
Low moral
and motivation
Triumph
Action
Action
Trials
Trials
Encouragement and motivation
Confidence and safety
Optimize personal gym schedule
Triumph
Optimize personal gym schedule
Confidence and safety
Encouragement and motivation
Low moral
and motivation
Uncertainty of the
gym's current capacity
Fear of using gym
equipment incorrectly
Real time crowd meter
Tutorials of how to use equipment
Sharing workouts with friends
Uncertainty of the
gym's current capacity
Fear of using gym
equipment incorrectly
Low moral
and motivation
Action
Triumph
Trials
Optimize personal gym schedule
Confidence and safety
Encouragement and motivation
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 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 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.
The process isn't always pretty…
The process isn't always pretty…
I felt overwhelmed by the flood of ideas, so I poured them all out in eight minutes. I quickly sketched out features that popped into my head while making sure to keep student's needs in mind.
I felt overwhelmed by the flood of ideas, so I poured them all out in eight minutes. I quickly sketched out features that popped into my head while making sure to keep student's needs in mind.
I felt overwhelmed by the flood of ideas, so I poured them all out in eight minutes. I quickly sketched out features that popped into my head while making sure to keep student's needs in mind.
Prioritizing and Goals
Prioritizing and Goals
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.
User Flow
User Flow
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 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 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.
03 Design
03 Design
03 Design
Mid-Fidelity
Mid-Fidelity
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.
A personal profile that helps students track their progress and goals—putting them in control of their schedule, not the gym's busyness.
Community page where students can feel a sense of belonging, boost their motivation, and find support while discovering new gym events.
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.
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.
04 User Feedback
04 User Feedback
04 User Feedback
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.
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.
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.
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 20 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.
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 20 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!).
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 20 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.
05 Back to The Drawing Board
05 Back to The Drawing Board
05 Back to The Drawing Board
06 Final Prototype
06 Final Prototype
06 Final Prototype
Now that I was finished with the low and mid-fidelity wireframes, it was time to think of the branding. 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 subconsciously.
Now that I was finished with the low and mid-fidelity wireframes, it was time to think of the branding. 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 subconsciously.
Now that I was finished with the low and mid-fidelity wireframes, it was time to think of the branding. 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 subconsciously.
06 Reflections
06 Reflections
06 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As my first UX project, it was a significant learning curve. 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.
Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth—they’re crucial for learning and improvement.
As my first UX project, it was a significant learning curve. 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.
Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth—they’re crucial for learning and improvement.
As my first UX project, it was a significant learning curve. 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.