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:
How they interact with Fitbit
(i.e. how do they incorporate it into their daily routine or workout?)Mental motivations for using Fitbit
(i.e. health reasons, sharing fitness goals, etc)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
We also conducted secondary user research through forums where people share why they fake their data for better results. We found that the main reason behind this was the competitive atmosphere. Many people find themselves discouraged through competition or social media when they see other people’s statistics. They end up comparing it to their own. This causes people to search for ways to fake their data in order to improve their own stats or match those of other people.
Groups within the Fitbit community are also valuable resources in which one can share workout routines with other members or get advice regarding their own workout. However, certain groups in the Fitbit community have requirements to stay in it, such as completing 10,000 steps/per day or getting kicked out. In cases like these, with increasingly challenging workout routines and not enough time or energy in a day to complete them, people felt the need to fake data was necessary to stay in the group.
Personas
We created two personas based on the data gathered.
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
To create a collaborative community and build a supportive network that enables Fitbit users to
complete their own goals and feel accomplished when doing so.
Wireframes
Low-Fidelity
Features
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 workout type. Individuals have the option to choose who they want to meet up with.
