Fitbit Redesign

A redesign of the Fitbit app to add a new feature and
increase collaboration within the fitness community.

Role Project Deliverables Duration
UI/UX Design User Interface (mobile) 1 month
Wireframing and user flows
Interviews

Overview

Fitbits have grown in popularity over the past few years due to an overall rise in trend with wearables and personal data tracking. These Fitbit devices track a user’s activity and convert regular activity into body data that can be mined and visualized for insights. They are meant to empower users to be healthier and more active, and Fitbit sold over 14 wearable devices in the last year.

With the rise in popularity of Fitbit devices, the motivation has changed on why and how certain users use Fitbit. There have been numerous/increasing efforts in data being faked through ways other than working out, which defeats the purpose of Fitbit. Our goal was to find out the reason behind this change in attitude and redesign Fitbit in a way that motivates people to work out and lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Problem Statement

The need for people to fake their data in a competitive environment creates
an unhealthy mindset for users, rather than making them feel accomplished with their goals.
Although competition works for certain people, it discourages others.

Process

Interviews

We conducted semi-structured interviewed with users of both Fitbit and Apple Watch to gain insights into
the Fitbit device and its competitors.

We structured the interview into three parts:

1. How they interact with Fitbit
   (i.e. how do they incorporate it into their daily routine or workout?)

2. Mental motivations for using Fitbit
   (i.e. health reasons, sharing fitness goals, etc)

3. Faking data*
   (i.e. do they know anyone who may fake data or trick the app and if so, why?)

   
   *The third section may be sensitive information for users who do this,
   so we phrased the questions in a way that does not target anyone.

User Research Insights

💡 Competitive Pressure: Many users fake their data due to social comparison and the pressure to match others’ performance.

💡 Minimum Step Requirements: Some Fitbit groups enforce step goals (e.g., 10,000 steps/day) for members to stay in the group/community, leading users to manipulate data to avoid removal.

💡 Time & Energy Constraints: Users with demanding routines or limited time resort to faking data to maintain engagement in fitness challenges.

Behavioral Archetype

Findings

Users felt defeated when their friends would beat their scores, in turn, causing them to dislike completing their own goals. Instead of building the sense of healthy competition amongst users, the numbers took an adverse effect on them. It became more about who had the highest scores and less about actually being fit. While some were motivated by the competition, many were discouraged by it.

Analysis

Design Goal

Wireframes

Low-Fidelity

Feature Identification

📊 Visual representations - Numbers are replaced with visual symbols

📈 Relative vs numerical data - The graph shows relative calorie loss and steps personalized for each person’s journey, rather than a daily statistic or number. People are able to view their progress as they grow and feel a sense of accomplishment.

🤝 Let’s Workout feature - encourages collaborativeness rather than competitiveness in the community by finding a workout buddy. Meet new people to workout with based on preferences in gender, time, location, and type of workout. Individuals have the option to choose who they want to meet up with.

Design Decisions

Outcomes

Business Results

• Introduced a new community feature designed to foster collaboration among users with similar workout goals, successfully reducing competition and promoting a more supportive environment. This addressed key pain points identified during user research.

• Streamlined navigation and improved usability simplified feature access, making it easier for users to navigate the app and access their data.

UX Results

• Usability testing revealed positive feedback on the improved information architecture and clearer visual hierarchy. Participants found it easier to be accountable when it came to their fitness journey and appreciated the visual data.

• The new community feature resonated well with participants, who expressed enthusiasm for connecting with like-minded individuals to support their fitness journey.

Reflections

Lessons Learned

• Balance Innovation & Familiarity: While introducing new design patterns improved discoverability, some participants initially struggled with unfamiliar UI elements. Next time, I would iterate further on balancing innovation with established mental models to improve intuitiveness.

• Iterative Testing Earlier in the Process: Early usability testing uncovered key pain points that informed critical design changes. Moving forward, I'll prioritize earlier and more frequent testing to identify issues sooner.