Iterations to Address Usability Gaps in Map Interactions
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Clear Location Mapping
The locations can correspond to the numbers on the cards, helping users better understand the position of each location.
2
Optimizing Information Visibility
Most users prefer to see all the information at once without using dropdowns, so the layout was adjusted accordingly.
3
Redesigning Path Card Layout for Intuitive Use
Users struggled to notice the swipe-up function for selecting paths, as the mix of horizontal and vertical interactions caused confusion. The layout was redesigned to integrate cards, making the experience clearer and more intuitive.
Build personalized routes based on users' interests or needs selected for the day, using surprises as motivation to help them explore the city through unfamiliar attractions.
Step One
Step One is an app that motivates you to stay healthy, explore walkable cities, and seamlessly make walking a part of your daily life.
Duration
3 months
Role
UX design
UX research
Deliverables
Research
Prototypes
User Testing
Iterations
Stakeholder Interviews
Problem
People who don't exercise frequently but still desire to establish a consistent exercise routine and maintain their health.
We create an app focused on community engagement and personalized customization to boost their motivation to exercise more.
Create social groups and events as a walking motivation approach to inspire users to connect, network, and build closer social connections while making new friends.
We acknowledge that many individuals face challenges in sustaining a balanced work-life dynamic and maintaining consistent exercise routines. Despite these obstacles, they remain dedicated to pursuing a healthier lifestyle and are motivated to enhance their current well-being.
Walking as Motivation:
The Inspiration Behind Our App’s Approach
We interviewed 6 people between 20-35 years old and used questionnaire data to identify two user types.
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Enhancing Search Experience with Direct Filters
To make the search process faster and more intuitive, the filter was placed directly on the interface.
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Enhancing Navigation with Intuitive Actions through changing "Join" to "Explore"
To improve user flow, the call-to-action button was updated from "Join" to "Explore." This change resolved confusion where users expected "Join" to navigate to the next page but overlooked the clickable cards.
2
Optimizing Card Layout with Increased Spacing
User feedback indicated the photo was unnecessary, so it was removed to improve the card's information layout.
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Wireframing & Usability Testing
Crucial Competitive Observations: Success is Driven by Community Involvement, Individual Customization, and Interest Stimuli
Refining Content for Better Layout
Arrange information in layers, showing only CTA functions at the top to save users time and enhance focus.
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Enhancing Navigation Clarity
The navigation bar now features clearer icons and labels for improved usability.
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Solution
Design Process
Turn simple actions into habits, and maintaining them as a routine is more reliable.
Walking is a stress-free activity; you don't need to worry about technical skills, so there's no pressure to exercise.
Conduct a competitive analysis to examine how competitors leverage key elements to encourage continuous user engagement with their applications.
Brainstorm powerful features, consider the app's workflow, and use the Crazy 8s method to generate and gather ideas.
Ideation
Research
Develop mid-fidelity to high-fidelity prototypes, ensure the workflow makes sense, and conduct a peer review.
Prototyping
Gather data from questionnaires and qualitative interviews with stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of their needs.
Empathy
Conduct user testing to identify workflow and usability issues, and iterate the prototype to ensure a smoother experience.
Validation
Inspiring People to Walk More Through Community Engagement
Design Highlights
Encouraging People to Walk More by Offering Personalized Routes
65% of people exercise less than twice a week, based on our questionnaire.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, but the CDC reports that over 2/3 of Americans fall short.
This highlights our commitment to promoting health and well-being.
People who already exercise but seek additional motivation to enhance their health.
People without exercise habits but with a strong desire to maintain their health.
Work over time
Lack of motivation
Have a busy life
Feel tired/ lazy
No companion
“I work long hours and sometimes even have to work overtime.”
“After work, all I want to do is lie on the couch. I don't have much motivation to go out.”
Gamification
Rewards
Sustainability
Interesting Trigger
Community Engagement
Challenges
Leaderboards
Social interactions
Customization
Guidance
Fitness plans
Personalization
Ideation
You need 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise every week
(Source: The Department of Health and Human Services health guidelines.)
NEED
CHANGE
Only 28% of People meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention physical activity guidelines.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How can we seamlessly inspire people to walk more and meet health guidelines?
Case Study
AI-Powered Route Grading System
Achieve health goals with 150 minutes of moderate-intensity walking weekly, as recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Provide intensity recommendations based on elevation and slope data analyzed by AI
Low-Intensity
Moderate-Intensity
AI Learns Your Preferences from Past Choices
A dog and cat just became best friends here!
Free flowers are available here to take
The artist left her art piece here to take
It includes real-time feedback from other users, filtered and curated by AI, to deliver engaging comments that capture users' interest and attention.
Based on your usual routes and selected interests or activities, AI analyzes and evaluates paths to provide tailored recommendations.
Initially, we focused on Reward System as the core feature of our app. However, after deeper research with our target audience of 20-35-year-olds, we found that community engagement and personalized design are their top priorities. This shift allows us to better align with user needs and create a more meaningful experience.
Challenges:
Reveal the reasons why people exercise fewer than 2 times a week
The initial concept includes a virtual companion and a rewards system.
The concept explores ways to connect with the community through events.
The concept was brainstormed based on how customization emerged.
Insights
No exercise goal
Takeaways:
Designing for Clarity and Usability
Through mid-fi and high-fi user testing, I optimized the workflow for smoother navigation, focusing on key user touchpoints to encourage repeat engagement. Throughout the design and iteration process, I prioritized user satisfaction to ensure the experience was intuitive and effective.
Facing the Challenge of AI Conceptualization
Incorporating AI into the design was a significant challenge. Beyond its practicality, we aimed to introduce engaging elements that would make the personalized service not only functional but also enjoyable. This approach allowed us to provide tangible benefits to users, particularly in supporting their health goals.
High-Intensity