LA Fitness
A new LA Fitness experience
#MOBILE #DATAVIS #WELLNESS #REDESIGN #CASESTUDY
Project type
Solo Project
(Case Study)
Role
Secondary Research
Guerrilla Interviews
Qual & Quant Research
UI Design
Prototype
Usability Test
Tools
Figma
Figjam
Miro
Photoshop
Google Sheet, Doc
Zoom
Duration
7 Weeks
Brief
This redesign project for the LA Fitness app aims to turn users' fitness routines into enjoyable daily activities by addressing the current issues of an outdated UI, unorganized layout, and counterintuitive navigation. Based on user feedback acquired through guerrilla interviews and app reviews, the project focused on improving usability, modernizing the interface, and simplifying navigation to create a smooth and engaging fitness experience.
PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
Problem
Outdated navigation layout
Solution
Easy-to-use navigation menus
Difficult to navigate
Cluttered interface
A poorly designed UI
Limited content visibility
Prioritized essential menus
Reduced cognitive load and made it easier for users to navigate
Clear visual hierarchy
Added content prioritization
Problem
Absence of personalization
Solution
Applied personalization
Existing search options are overly broad
No personalized search results or preference options
Insufficient & inaccurate search results
Reorganized workouts and classes to provide users with visual and intuitive information
Added additional options to optimize & personalize search results
Problem
Unorganized information
Solution
Improved content hierarchy
The visual representation of the progress bar does not match the actual numerical value
Lack of motivation features
Too many steps required to access the attendance tracking feature: Side bar->MY account -> Check in
Accurate progress visualization
Enhanced the progress tracking experience by providing visual cues beyond a simple progress bar
Created a dedicated menu that allows users to view their individual progress.
DESIGN PROCESS
1 DELVING IN
RESEARCH
Competitor analysis
After conducting a comprehensive analysis of four fitness brands' apps, I was able to identify the similarities and differences they have with LA Fitness's app. The examination of their apps and user experiences was instrumental in arriving at this conclusion.
Researching app reviews
After analyzing four other competitors’ features, I delved into reviews on Apple & Google's app stores. Then, I organized the comments into positive and Critical reviews to clearly visualize what LA Fitness should keep up with and what it should improve on.
Guerrilla interviewing
I conducted guerrilla interviews at four different LA Fitness locations to understand the needs and frustrations of app users.
In-depth interview: 10 In-person interviews
Gender: 5 Females, 5 Males
Age: 20 - 50s'
Duration: 20 - 30 mins
Location: LA Fitness locations in DTLA, La Brea, Culver City, Hollywood
Insight
LA Fitness needs to improve both its content and content hierarchy.
Users expect the LA Fitness app to offer more helpful features beyond just a membership barcode.
2 DIVING IN
DEFINE
Affinity mapping
By identifying patterns and preferences, the Affinity Map provided a comprehensive view of the users' needs and problems, which facilitated decisions to enhance their experience.
Empathy mapping
Using the insights from the Affinity Map, I created an Empathy Map to understand the current and potential users' experiences with LA Fitness.
Problem statement & opportunity
Through careful analysis of user data and insights, I identified numerous issues and challenges users faced while using the LA Fitness app.
3 Ideate solutions
DEVELOP
Prioritize features (2x2 matrix)
I generated ideas based on data and insights, using a 2x2 matrix to prioritize features. I focused on high-value, low-effort functionalities for an improved user experience.
Current IA analysis
While mapping out LA Fitness's information architecture, I identified repetitive sections and confusing navigation.
New IA development
From the original IA above, I reorganized the framework to be more straightforward and concise.
4 REDESIGNING LA FITNESS
DELIVER
Mid-fidelity prototype
Based on the developed IA and sketches, I created wireframes of the main LA Fitness features.
High-fidelity prototype
feature overview & final outcome
Online training feature
I created an online training feature that provides users with personalized workout programs in a convenient and accessible manner. These benefits enhance the fitness experience for users.
I reorganized the entire UI and established visual flows.
Smart watch feature
The interface I designed incorporates charts and other elements to visually display and track the user's data.
The design aims to motivate users by providing visual cues and instilling a sense of achievement.
Style guide
The previous app had a main color of gray, which gave a gloomy vibe and made users feel unmotivated. Some users even provided feedback about the outdated and dull font used. With color psychology in mind, I created a style guide that featured yellow to represent energy and blue to represent confidence as the primary colors. Additionally, I opted to use the "Inter" font to achieve a sleek and contemporary appearance.
5 GETTING FEEDBACK
TEST
Usability test
3 Participants (2 Female, 1 Male)
Remote test
Age 20-30s
5 Tasks
I observed participants as they completed the following navigational tasks.
REFLECTION
What I learned
This project was educational, enjoyable, and fulfilling as I was working to enhance an app that I use regularly. The guerilla interview process was particularly eye-opening. I had the chance to interact with users from different backgrounds and profiles in four different locations. This provided me with valuable insights from diverse perspectives and opinions, which helped me identify various issues with the app.
Next steps
I'm looking to integrate voice UI into a workout app. I think this will simplify the user interface, help users stay focused during exercise, and provide an alternative way to interact with the app, particularly in a gym or during physical activities. This approach aims to enhance the user experience and make the app more accessible and convenient for those who prefer hands-free interaction while working out.
