FitBit - Design For Behavior Change

Project Overview

Boosting User Engagement and Retention

I had the privilege of leading a talented team of four members throughout the entire design journey. From the initial phase of identifying key problems to the final stage of presenting innovative solutions to stakeholders, our collaborative efforts resulted in a successful project outcome.

Project duration

5 Weeks

Role

Product Designer

Contribution

Discovery research

Interaction Design

Usability Testing

Visual Design

Collaboratioon

Bhavik Donga - Myself

Hengyi Bai

Yao Li

Yihua Wang

Problem Statement

We present an exciting opportunity to enhance Fitbit's user engagement and retention by introducing a game-changing feature – Peer Support. Our goal is to design a user-centered solution that not only encourages healthier lifestyles but also boosts fitness goal achievement. Join us on this journey to redefine fitness app experiences.

Fitbit has a massive user base, but many struggle to maintain healthy habits. Our challenge is clear: empower users to exercise regularly, create lasting habits, and stay committed to their health goals.

The Solution

Peer Support is the key : Incorporating a peer-support group feature within the existing Fitbit community, which organizes individuals with similar demographics and fitness goals into smaller groups, fostering mutual accountability for improving exercise habits and driving behavior change.

Desire to Excercise

Failure to create a habit

Staying heal on their own

Research

Literature Review

Before interacting with the current Fitbit application, we conducted a thorough study of behavior change models by reviewing articles and published research papers. This exploration led us to identify several techniques commonly utilized by various fitness programs.

Competetive Analysis

We performed a comparative analysis of Fitbit in conjunction with four other fitness apps available in the market. Our goal was to uncover common features and distinguishable functionalities within these apps.

This analysis was pivotal in recognizing that most fitness apps emphasize progress tracking while providing limited guidance on sustaining a healthy lifestyle, shaping our design direction accordingly.

Semi Structured Interview

We gathered varied perspectives and valuable insights about exercise habits and the effectiveness of fitness apps through user interviews with a diverse group of participants, including three distinct types of interviewees. This approach provided us with a comprehensive understanding of our users' needs and preferences, enriching our design process.

Research Insights

Our research reveals that the role of peers plays a significant role in shaping individuals' exercise routines. This discovery aligns with patterns identified in our secondary research findings.

The Impact of Peer Influence

Our research reveals that the role of peers plays a significant role in shaping individuals' exercise routines. This discovery aligns with patterns identified in our secondary research findings.

Peer Pressure and Emotional Impact

Peer pressure and the concern for others' opinions can lead to feelings of embarrassment or guilt when sharing exercise progress with a known audience

The Power of Exercise Buddies

Having friends who share a passion for exercise can serve as a motivating factor in maintaining a consistent workout routine.

Setting Short-Term Goals for Long-Term Success

Our research highlights the effectiveness of setting short-term and smaller fitness goals as a strategy for individuals to persevere and build a lasting exercise habit.

Ideation

Insights to Actions

Peer Support Network Platform

Encourages users to find and connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, seek advice, and motivate each other to achieve their fitness goals.

Fitness Accountability Challenges

Encourages friendly competition and collaboration among users. It fosters accountability as individuals work together to meet fitness challenges and celebrate their achievements.

Personalized Fitness Goal Tracker

Helps users define and pursue their fitness objectives while leveraging the motivation and accountability provided by their peers. The social aspect adds an extra layer of encouragement and support.

User flow and inital designs

We started sketching out a normal flow of how and where the feature could go. Below is a better-looking version of the scribbling that we did on the whiteboard.

Iterations

Issues with Current Fitbit Community Feature

The current Fitbit Community Feature presents several challenges identified through research and interviews, hindering user engagement and satisfaction.

Plain ,Unengaging Interfaces

The existing community interfaces lack visual appeal and fail to captivate user interest, resulting in a lackluster experience.

Lack of Personalization

In larger groups, content becomes less personalized and relevant to individual users, impacting the overall quality of the user experience and diminishing the value of community participation.

Limitations in Personal Groups

Users are restricted to inviting only their existing friends, limiting their ability to expand their social circle within the Fitbit community and hindering potential connections.

Overcrowded Groups

Large community groups suffer from overcrowding, making it challenging for users to receive the attention and support they desire, thereby diminishing the sense of community.

Iterations after user testing sessions

We conducted user testing sessions and incorporated valuable feedback to deliberately refine the designs, ensuring a user-centric solution.

Final Solution Prototype

How does this work ?

The solution feature organizes users with similar demographics and fitness goals into smaller, more intimate groups, fostering mutual accountability and driving behavior change.

Below is the interactive prototype. Hover over the it and follow steps.

Personalized Group Formation

Create or join small, like-minded communities based on demographics. Find personalized motivation within Fitbit's vast user base, connecting with individuals who share your fitness goals and experiences.

Engage and Inspire

Boost user engagement through encouragement. Share your challenge victories and inspire others within your group feeds. Foster exercise accountability and motivation as you journey towards your fitness goals.

Challenge Tracking Made Easy

Effortlessly monitor personal and group challenges. Cultivate a consistent exercise routine by engaging in challenges with peers, fueling motivation as you track and celebrate each other's achievements.

Supportive Community Connections

Forge strong bonds within your fitness community. Leverage the power of peer support as you interact with like-minded individuals. Share your exercise progress, seek advice, and jointly work towards healthier lifestyles.

Learnings

Some Things that I learned during this project

More of my Work

Lets Connect

Iterate as much as you can

The next step for this project could be analyzing more edge cases such as who will monitor the group, privacy concerns, and defining more points to collect demographic data.

Focus more on tradeoffs with each direction

I want to improve my ability to express design choices with the user in mind so that I can better convey my design decisions to myself, my mentor, and prospective recruiters.

You didn’t fail- you just found 100 ways that didn’t work

From identifying faults in my UI to exposing more fundamental UX issues in my app, I'm grateful to have asked for input from my peers and mentor on a regular basis.

Focus on Outcomes

making a positive change in the lives of the people who interact with your product or service. Involve metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect how well the design is meeting user needs and business objectives.