DEFINING THE PROBLEM
Running, for many, is a wonderful way to exercise, reflect, and push oneself. One of the biggest hurdles (pun intended), however, is finding the right pair of running shoes. Factors pertaining to price, materials, and especially performance make the process of finding and loving running shoes a complete hassle. Additionally, running shoes have a finite lifespan.
SOLESTRIDE APP
As part of the INST406 Design and Communication lab at the University of Maryland, my team and I created an app called "Solestride", which motivates runners by connecting them to their footwear and overall running performance. We wanted to enhance the running experience through encouraging sustainable footwear consumption that is tailored to each user's needs. In turn, we created an app that values user experience and success when it comes to running – however they choose to do so.
BRAINSTORMING A SOLUTION
In order to further encourage a healthy lifestyle and use quality performance footwear, we created SoleStride. Our product allows the user to seamlessly find and purchase the most optimal pair or pairs of shoes to fit their running needs, and tracks their progress in them. We tailor our footwear search process to each user’s needs based upon their input regarding several factors pertaining to their preferences, physical makeup, and abilities as a runner.
Using GPS tracking, health analytics, and integration of audial extensions, we have created a way for runners to supplement their runs and evaluate them afterwards. Additionally, if the user owns more than one pair, our product will recommend which to use depending on their intended run. This is meant to optimize each run and encourage users to keep their shoes in the best shape possible.
Using input from each shoe’s manufacturer, we will let users know when their shoes are no longer in optimal condition. This is where our shoe recycling program comes into play, as we look to streamline the delivery process both to and from the user. After a pair of shoes has been retired, we will send a new one to the user if they are subscribed to our recycling program. Through this product, Sole Stride is looking to optimize the entire lifecycle of the running shoe to better help its users, the running industry, and the environment.
UX RESEARCH – CONCEPT BOARD
We first took inspiration from current running/footwear apps to see how other companies are doing it based on how they collect running data, what shoe subscription they have, and more, while also having design inspirations for both an iPhone or Apple Watch.
UX RESEARCH – COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
For our competitor analysis, we focused on Nike Run Club (NRC), Apple Fitness, and Road Running Sports as they all tailor to different types of runners in their unique way. We want to figure out a way we can find the best aspects of all three of these apps to create the best digital interaction while fulfilling your running endeavors.
SYNTHESIS – USER JOURNEY MAP
We then created a user journey map to get an understanding of the typical struggles an ideal user might have throughout a run.
SYNTHESIS – USER FLOW
After reflecting on the user research and journey map, my team and I created the ideal flow our app should follow to create the best user experience.
IDEATION AND DESIGN CHANGES
After initial feedback, we realized three main changes for our app to be fulfilling by the end of the prototype but also to be more specified so it was not too broad that could cause difficulty in demonstrating our full app potential.
• Shoe subscription model
Although our initial idea was to create a model where the user would be able to order any shoes from any brands and return the shoes whenever they feel discomfort/have worn them down, we realized it wasn’t feasible.
• Audial + spatial running experience
We knew our focus was on shoe data, and this idea seemed too off-topic compared to our initial intentions.
• AR shoe try-on
This idea also strayed from the primary focus of the app, and likely required sophisticated technology that is hard to come by.
PROTOTYPE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Creating a transformative Running Experience
Learned to create a running fitness app aimed to turn running into a comprehensive experience by integrating technology with fashion and comfort. Designed to make running more than just a workout.
• Presenting to different Stakeholders
Learned how to present our designs to different stakeholders with different needs such as a senior citizen and a social media influencer.
• Sustainability
Learned how to integrate sustainability into our business model through a shoe recycling program and incorporate it into our business values.