Fitness Watch Challenge
A 3 day design challenge focused on creating an intuitive running companion watch app.
Challenge Scenario
A user starts a 5km guided run. During the session, the product tracks pace, heart rate, cadence, elapsed time, and distance. The system should also provide contextual feedback when the user falls behind target pace or exceeds safe heart rate thresholds.
Deliverables
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4-6 smartwatch screens covering the primary workout flow.
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1-2 companion mobile screens for pre-workout setup, post-workout review, or deeper analytics.
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A clickable prototype or clear interaction flow in Figma.
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A short rationale outlining design decisions, priorities, and tradeoffs.
Research
User Outreach
When first given the task of designing a running companion watch and app, I immediately set out to hear directly from real runners. While I do run every now and then, I would not consider myself an avid runner, therefore I don’t truly understand what it is that runners need.
Through this outreach, my aim was to gain a better understanding with my target user, but also gather data which will help me back up my design choices. I always aim for my designs to be based on research rather than my own preference.
Understand the User
I created a quick survey and sent it out to multiple runners so they can respond, also asking them to share it with other runners so I can gain more input. From this survey I gained many insights which helped me better understand what runners need during a run and their current experience with smart devices they use.
Due to time limitations, I had to settle with using a survey in my user research. Had I more time, I would chose to further reach out with participants and talk with them face to face. This way I can gain more depth within my findings.
Survey Results
Overall 13 participants filled out the survey, totaling over 40 written answers. Through this survey, I was able to listen to their experience of using smart devices during their runs.
More specifically, I sought to find what devices they use to track their runs, what information is most important to them on their runs,if they like feedback during their runs, and what benefits have they seen in using smart devices to track their runs.
Do you use a watch or phone app to track your fitness goals?
Which of these performance indicators do you feel is most important to know during a run?
Takeaways
Key Findings
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Majority of runners focus on their pace during a run.
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Most prefer constant feedback during their run for different performance indicators.
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Most runners use a smart watch during their runs.
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While running they can find it hard to distinguish certain information displayed if there is too much at once.
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Runners prefer convenience and quick information.
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They use their devices as a form of motivation to perform better.
“Motivates me to actually run, helps me plan my runs, shows me progress and what I need to work on”
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“(I prefer) Constant feedback because I tend to zone out which can lead me to running too fast or slow.”
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“(I use a tracker) to be able to improve my fitness and do different workouts based on my performance.”
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“During a run I can find it hard to tell what number is the one I need. I feel that these moments can affect my run as I am more focused on the watch.”
Watch Information Hierarchy
The watch needs to display current information that is quick and easy to read. During their run, the user is not looking for detailed analysis of their run. They are seeking to learn how they are doing in that moment and focus on their run. The information featured will vary on
importance.
My design aims at creating an experience that is minimal on distractions, focusing on providing the user with relevant information that they want.
