Challenge
Most Megaformer users start taking classes with much enthusiasm. However, many lose motivation to continue, and others quit when they do not meet the goals they first aspired to.
01
Complex Machine
Instability of the moving carriage, resistance of the springs, and straps to learn
02
Intricate exercises
Switching sides, holding poses and stances
03
Gym Anxiety
Self-conscious about proper form or movement
OnePoll, an international market research agency, examined the fitness habits of 2,000 Americans:
taking classes with friends/colleagues would get them to exercise more
admit to feelings of intimidation
don’t have enough time to workout
strategy
Visual learning tactics and community building are key to maintaining the initial level of enthusiasm and repeat engagement.
Connect on shared journey:
connect to other users and instructors, where they can set up times to meet, or ask questions directly
Extrinsic motivation:
follow the journeys of other users
Reduce intimidation:
scheduling tied to skill levels
Demystify the Megaformer:
learn about the machine parts and exercises.
discovery
user interview insights
user stories
1
Since users want their workout to be as efficient as possible, they have a low tolerance for making mistakes in class.
2
Users fear being judged harshly for looking silly on the machine or not being able to hold certain postures.
3
Users find that visual aids are most helpful, and cannot follow easily without them.
I feel out of shape and I get bored easily. I wanted to try a new way to exercise that would change my body.
I felt a mixture of shock and humility.
I pushed myself physically and mentally.
My first class felt like a disaster, but it made me want to get better. I saw how strong other people were.
design approach
wireframes
Clearly Marked Fields
Users understand each
field and that options
are discoverable
Search Bar
Ability to search for other
users or instructors
Friends Overview
Like, comment, post or
message friends
Exercise Category List
Exercises organized into distinct regions of body
Scrolling Dates
Quickly view current & upcoming days
Organized Schedule
Classes are listed clearly for ease of scheduling
Action Buttons
Users can explore the app
Labeled Parts
Ability to learn about specific parts of the Megaformer
testing and improvements
Added “learn more” button on booking confirmation screen
-
letting the user easily discover other parts of the app
Switched from key lines to component cards
-
Easier to scan with content clearly defined
-
Cards able to transform to reveal pertinent content
Added a progress bar at the top of “schedule” screen
Informing the user that there are 3 steps to complete for first-time users
Added Names to Machine Parts in Overlays
-
Originally designed the prototype overlay to briefly describe function
-
Added the name of the specific part, which will further reduce confusion for users while on the machine
Labeled navigation buttons
-
Screens originally designed without icon labels
-
Based on feedback, icons that I thought were universal were not immediately clear to some users
user flows
Scheduling:
Learning:
Community:
deliverables
key flow: booking
key flow: learning the machine
key flow: learning the exercises
key flow: community
Final Product
reflection
01
Positive Feedback
“Love the messaging component of the app in being able to talk to instructors & follow announcements.”
“This app checks all the boxes I need: book class easily, be held accountable, feel motivation from other members, feel like an actual member of a studio community and not just another name on the schedule.”
“Learning component satisfies my need to deep dive and discover new things.”
02
Success
The problems of difficulty with the complex machine and exercises were resolved through the Learning feature. Gym anxiety was reduced through the Community feature.
Through this app, I expect interested users to gain motivation to sign up for classes and education that will help them participate with confidence.
For current users, I expect this app to spur continued participation in Megaformer classes, help users make new friends, and enrich their workout experience together.
03
Looking Ahead
I initially had an idea to solve the Learning problem with pictograms (figures which display the next move) that would accompany the name of each exercise, and could be projected on a wall during class. I realized that, while this is helpful in a class, presenting these features in an app platform would have greater efficacy with the user.
In the future, I would love for this pictogram Learning feature to be implemented in a Megaformer class. I would also love for the Community feature to expand where users and instructors are be able to have in-depth educational forums through a video conferencing component.