Improved workout filters for swimmers to optimize search: Enabling swimmers to pick the most desired workout using additional filters for their next swim.
INCREASED CONVINIENCE OF FNDING WORKOUTS
SAVES TIME WHILE SEARCHING FOR WORKOUTS
INCREASED ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION
Team:
PRODUCT @FORM SWIM
My Role:
UX DESIGN
UI DESIGN (DESIGN SYSTEMS)
UX RESEARCH
Duration:
6 WEEKS
Internship Overview
In summer 2022, I had a fantastic opportunity to
intern at FORM as a digital product designer. I met some amazing people
there who helped me grow as a designer, and I will always be grateful
for this chance I got. My main task was to add more workout filters to
make it easy for swimmers to find their desired workout.
Problem
Previously, the app offered only three filters—Category, Distance, and Intensity—for discovering workouts, limiting users' ability to fine-tune their selections. This constraint posed challenges for swimmers seeking a tailored experience. In contrast, competitor fitness apps such as Peloton, Whoop, and Garmin boasted a more comprehensive array of search customization options, providing users with greater control over their fitness journey.
My Process started with
an in-depth analysis of how FORM's competitors
leverage filters within their apps. This exploration served as a
foundation for my enhancement efforts, where I introduced pivotal
filters such as Duration, Pool Size, Stroke, Drills, Equipment, and
Longest Interval. Each addition was meticulously crafted after studying
the nuanced requirements of users. Notably, the integration of Pool Size
presented a unique challenge, leading to a thorough investigation into
its intricacies and presenting it in a way which is not complicated to
understand.
Next step was to sketch
Sketching, following Jake Knapp's Sprint
framework, was instrumental in my design process. It enabled
rapid ideation, fostering creativity and collaboration. By
simplifying complex ideas into visual representations, it
facilitated effective communication and validation, driving
innovation and user-centric solutions. Especially for duration
and poolsize as they could have multiple different variations
and sketching allowed me to visualize all the variations.
User Testing was essential to make crucial design decisions
After prototyping various sketches, I conducted
ad-hoc usability testing sessions with swimmers in our office. This
hands-on approach allowed me to gather valuable insights into their
pain points and requirements. The user testing revealed a need for
additional context for certain filters. Consequently, I enhanced the
user experience by integrating tooltip icons, providing users with
the necessary information at their fingertips.
Accordian Style Filter Display
As mentioned earlier, originally, the
application featured only three filters. However, with the
incorporation of six additional filters, the filter page
became cumbersome, requiring users to scroll extensively
to access all options. Recognizing the importance of
streamlined navigation and user convenience, I implemented
an accordion-style layout for the filter page. This design
decision not only alleviated the need for excessive scrolling
but also enhanced the filtering process by providing users
with a clear, organized interface. By condensing the filter
options into a collapsible format, I prioritized ease of
use and transparency, ensuring a seamless user experience.
What Did I Learn?
1. Design Systems: I was exposed to a design system more extensive than I had ever used before. I learned how to use components, instances and variants, which helped me be more consistent and detail-oriented.
2. Communication: As a designer, learning to present my designs well and communicate their benefits to the team was crucial. Though it took some time to refine my skills, I now confidently explain why certain ideas improve user experience. I've come to realize that clear communication is 90% of the design process!