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Formsense

Mobile app for runners delivering insights based on data through wearable technologies.

Client
Formsense
Role
Product design for mobile apps
Duration
11 months

What is formsense?

System that delivers biomechanical data from smart apparel to mobile apps for athletes.

A Wearable System

Over 20 proprietary sensors are seamlessly embedded within base-layer activewear to provide the most accurate measurement of biomechanics.

Proprietary Dataset & Platform

Our portable and interactive mission control app helps trainers benchmark players and assess injury risk any time, anywhere.

Data Driven Insights

Our proprietary datasets and algorithms create real-time performance and injury correlations to enable data-driven decision making.

Formsense Pro: B2B app for professional coaches and therapist.

Product Goal

Provide runners form metrics and insights that help users improve performance and prevent injuries.

The consumer-targeted app aims to optimize user’s running training experience by:

  • Function as a digital fitness platform
  • Visualize the data of user’s each run and trend
  • Offers insights into their running form

Impression of Beta App

Poor usability and accessibility

The contrast ratio was as low as 1.6, way below WCAG standard. It seems hard to see while running outdoor.

Information Overload

The existing design was showing various metrics in similar looking graphs all at once, seemed overwhelming.

Lack of informational hierarchy

Metrics on long scrolling screens seem hard to decipher which one matters the most for the particular user.


Based on these observation I have started preparing a revised version to be shown to users alowng the beta app. See lo-fi sketches in Appendix

User Testing

9 runners tested beta app with the garment.

CASUAL, GOAL ORIENTED, and ELITE runners completed 2 runs, 2 interviews, and 2 post-run diary entries.

Users saw the potential: however, they were overwhelmed with the data, and didn't know what to do about it.

Only 1 Elite runner, a physical therapist, was able to interpret the data, draw correlations between data points and and extrapolate the insights from the app on his own.

Revised Version #1

At the end of the session, we showed a revised version to the test users for feedback.

Clarity and simplicity

Users felt the look and feel of the updated concept was what they would expect from a running app. They felt cleaner and more polished.

Giving detailed metrics piecemeal

Users found it to be more scannable and digestible summary of metrics.

The more distinct separation of Left and Right helped users better understand the comparison.

Users found the option to expand for the detailed graph showing the trend overtime is less overwhelming.

Tips to improve individual running form

When users reviewed the Tips section in the revised version, they agree that this is much closer to what they were hoping the app would do.

Key takeaways

Users showed positive reactions to revised screens, with expectations of more insights and actionable guidance.

Niche Market

Goal Oriented and Elite users were more enthusiastic about the potential of this app. But even those who have knowledge of each metrics through PT and coaches thought it would be better if the app can illustrate what to focus and how.

Target Audience

Casual runners showed less interest in prevention because they have not run enough to experience injury, and if they did, they would simply stop running and pick something else. They found the app something beyond what they need at this moment.

Results

Familar look of fitness app with added benefits.

The look and feel of running apps users know, so that they can start running immediately.

Check what are the good and the bad, immediately.

After listening to what users had to say, we highlighted the most problematic areas that users need to work on. Formscore is color coded so that users can intuitively know where they are at.

Easy to digest metrics, and what to do about them.

Users can deep dive each problem area and see what the trend is. They can learn what exercises may help correct it and try on their own.

Motivational features: Awards and Badges.

Extra boost on users motivation through visualizing what they achieved, and providing something measurable they can share.

Appendix

Lo-Fi: Early sketches and ideas

Prior to the user testing we briefly had an idea that this product may be good for a wider audience including casual runners, who may need more visual guidance and encouragement during the run. There was also an idea about mid-flight warning graph, which we decided to keep it audio only for fear of distructing runners. After the test we decided to focus on how to visualize activity analysis and insights.