Neo Yoga
Role
Solo Senior Designer
Timeline
March — June 2024
Intro
Before the introduction of challenges, it was an app with its own audience, aimed on providing non-personalised trainings. It had a lessons archive, which was just a library of knowledge.
The goal of this redesign is to enhance user engagement and create a clear perception that the app guides users and helps them improve, rather than simply providing a knowledge base. This will be achieved by designing personalised challenges.
Discover phase
I began my exploration of the subject area on Reddit. Top rated apps are certainly good, but I was curious about what people were saying about these apps: which ones they use, what they pay attention to, what interests them, and so on. This led me to make the list of apps and start exploring them.
I read through reviews and began gathering useful data as the apps were downloading. I was surprised to find that there are still a very few yoga applications allowing to set a final personal goal. Yes, everyone asks about them at pre-sale funnels but never follow through. Most apps are simply libraries of activities.
And even stranger, none of the apps inquire about convenient class days and times, despite their claims of a personalised approach.
Lean ux canvas
I’ve created the canvas to organise what I know & what I need to know about the yoga industry, audience, yoga apps, etc. I’ve also highlighted the main user problems, which helped me to focus on finding appropriate solutions.
MoSCoW method
Then I used the Moscow Method to categorise my ideas based on their impact on the user and the amount of effort it takes to bring the idea to life.
This prioritisation ensured that the core features necessary for user engagement and satisfaction were addressed first, while also considering potential future improvements.
Digital part
In the context of this case, I didn't redraw the prototypes from my notebook in Figma. Instead, I immediately started working on the UI due to time constraints. Additionally, the layout and logic were coherently developed on paper.
I decided to experiment with a unique style using colors that I can describe as “Exciting, maverick, trendy” for the chosen audience. Also I selected a semi-formal tone of voice, approximately a 6 out of 10 on the formality scale.
As I mentioned earlier, the app was initially a simple library of activities. However, on the release day users are greeted with a new feature at their first login: an interactive personal assistant named Mark.
Meet Mark
Mark serves as the entry point into a new phase of the app, ensuring users receive tailored support and guidance throughout their journey. His primary function is to structure user data effectively and create a customised plan for each user.
Getting information
Since the app previously did not collect user data, Mark needs to request this information for better understanding each user. This process is not a part of a pre-sale funnel so instead it focuses on gathering the key metrics necessary for the app to create personalised challenges.
After analysing various apps on the market, I made a list of the essential information needed. To ensure the data collection process was seamless and user-friendly I designed interactive questions that would not burden the user.
New home
After collecting the data, Mark can begin creating a personalised challenge for the user, tailored to their specific metrics and preferences. This process involves analysing the gathered information to form an individual plan that suits best the user’s goals.
Additionally the main page of the app got significant changes: an accent block featuring the challenge and streak dates has been added at the top, allowing users to visually track their progress. Mark, as an assistant, also plays an active role in the interface. He shows updates and guides user on how to take advantage of new features.
Personal challenge: last step
For the challenge, the last piece of information Mark needs is the days user is available to work out. Once this data is provided, Mark creates a unique challenge aimed at achieving the user’s goals.
Personal challenge: adjusting
Although the app relies on the accuracy of Mark’s calculations, it still allows for flexible customisation of the challenge by the user. They can modify any parameters of the challenge if necessary, and Mark will recalculate the challenge duration accordingly.
Personal challenge: commitment
To accept the challenge, user needs to make a commitment by holding their finger on a designated area and agreeing to the rules. This is an important psycho-emotional step created to foster a sense of agreement and responsibility.
User can begin their challenge right after that.
Practice screen
The viewing screen displays all stages of the workout, a timer counting down to the end of the current exercise, volume control, casting tools for TV, and subtitle options. Additionally, Mark monitors the user’s heart rate in real-time. The heart rate is not displayed unless it exceeds normal levels during playback mode.
Mark’s assist
If user’s heart rate exceeds acceptable levels, Mark will pause the workout and suggest taking a rest. User can choose to continue at their own risk by either verbal confirmation or pressing the button.
During the rest period, Mark analyses the pose difficulty along with the user’s metrics and dynamically adjusts the workout to ensure user can complete it safely and achieve their goals.
Training summary & Feedback
At the end of the workout, Mark provides a summary of the training statistics and invites the user to share feedback through an interactive dialogue.
Social part
I designed the socials profile in a similar style to the app. Prior to the release of Mark with Challenges, I added several teaser posts to generate excitement, and then crafted a post specifically about the challenges themselves. These posts serve to inform users about the new features and generate interest.
Conclusion
By introducing Mark, the app transitions from being a static library of content to a dynamic, user-centric experience. This shift not only enhances user engagement but also aligns the app with modern expectations of personalised digital services.
