Stride Running
Rethinking how users can leverage apps to enhance their training while prioritizing health, avoiding overtraining, and preventing injuries.
Date
Jan 2024 - May 2024
Category
Digital product design
Sector
Athletics
What does the current running landscape look like?
I started my research with a competitive analysis to see what was currently on the market and what unique features these apps offer. This research revealed many of the most popular running apps ignored injury management and prevention features.
I conducted user interviews with five runners of varying experience levels, each using different running apps, to gather in-depth qualitative insights about their experiences with their current app.
“Features that limit overtraining would be nice. I just started running but am scared to over do it.”
Kate Brothman, Casual runner
“More features that help track and prevent injuries would be nice. When I got back into running earlier this year I overtrained and injured my knee.”
Kevin Savage, Training for his first half marathon
Turning ideas into actions
I began by sketching ideas on paper and brainstorming solutions to help prevent running injuries. This led to the development of key features, including a personalized onboarding system that assesses each runner's experience and history with injuries. Additionally, a health section provides information on common running injuries, which can be integrated into a training plan that automatically adjusts based on the user's injury status. To further support athletes, push notifications are sent during runs to remind them if they're overtraining, promoting safer and more effective workouts.
