Like getting in shape, designing a great fitness app is not an easy task. But much like with exercise, the extra effort is always worthwhile.
What unique features define the design of a fitness app? How are these types of apps designed differently from, for example, a meditation app?
WeAgile has extensive insights into designing and developing fitness apps, we are aware that some of the design elements are unique. And we’re not simply talking about screens for step counters or calorie counters — this is more than that!
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Onboarding
Virtually every app has an onboarding feature, however the process for fitness apps differs slightly. For instance, they need more specifics about the user. You must ask about specific information, such as their weight or food preferences.
Goal setting is another aspect of a fitness app’s onboarding process that is similar to one for weight loss. Users could be asked to specify their actual and goal weight. Or, for a running or exercise app, whether or not they have prior athletic experience.
The best method to effectively onboard a user for fitness apps is to first demonstrate how to make the most of the app before making later suggestions for additional pertinent information. This can be achieved by highlighting the app’s best features up front and showing users how to make the most of it.
Consider including an engaging experience to advance onboarding so that users can enjoy using the app more as they use it. Plain text is difficult to read and, let’s face it, quite dull. You may change it up by allowing the consumers to navigate the app themselves so they can have a practical understanding of its fundamentals.
User profiles
The user profile is necessary for most apps, much as onboarding. The user must provide their name, payment information, social media links, app usage data, and other information. What distinguishes fitness applications’ user profile designs from those of other apps, then?
Fitness apps need particular information that is uncommon in other apps. We refer to information on the user’s health, such as age, height, weight, gender, etc. These factors are crucial in fitness apps and support users in setting sensible objectives.
If you’re creating a fitness app, you might think about adding objectives as a distinct screen or just including them in the user profile. In either case, keep in mind that there is no use in requesting precise information if you don’t intend to use it for creating goals, picking workouts, etc.
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Homescreens
The homescreen is the main focal point of your app. All the necessary information for using the app should be included, but it shouldn’t present consumers with an excessive amount of options or information.
You might ask, “How can I accomplish that?” A good question! Everything depends on meticulous planning. Analysing what your potential customers want to achieve, their goals, and the reason they require the app is essential before building your app.
You may decide which features are most appropriate to include on your home screen by doing user persona research, creating an information architecture, and comprehending your users’ journeys.
As an example, consider adding personalised data to the home screen if you’re developing an activity monitoring app. It makes sense to provide a “workout of the day” or propose routines to get users started if your app is geared on fitness regimens. Remember that your goal is to choose the features that the user will need as soon as they launch your app, not to jam every function into one screen.
The goal of your app should be mentioned on the home screen, along with any immediate questions a user might have, like:
- How many calories can I still eat today?
- Which workout should I choose?
- What running routes are nearby?
A home screen can also be compared to a train station because it serves as the initial destination for any user who launches an app, whether they are doing so for the first time or coming back. A home screen can be organised in a variety of ways. Depending on what your app offers, you can choose to display a variety of options, the complete navigation menu, or just one.
Progress tracking
Any fitness software should provide user statistics and a progress bar, especially if it tracks your activities. It is always satisfying to observe progress, whether a user is keeping track of the pounds they’ve shed or the more kilometres they’ve run.
It all boils down to choosing the proper data visualisation when it comes to showing numbers. Nobody enjoys reading or seeing raw data in numbers and words. Instead of a bunch of figures that you must examine manually, it is much simpler to comprehend your running progress or your calorie intake when you view the data in a graph with different colours denoting each section.
It is recommended to keep your charts and graphs to their most basic components and strive for a fairly minimalistic design if you want your data display to be effective. The basic goal of data visualisation is to make data easier for users to grasp. Too many components cluttered together can simply increase confusion.
Building a community
It’s time to consider factors other than user profiles and structure. An amazing feature to take into account when creating your app is an app community, which is becoming more and more popular daily.
Building communities around fitness apps can support consumers in continuing their fitness journey even when it becomes difficult, which is very typical. They can find the support they require to continue working toward their objectives by joining a community and associating with people who share their interests.
Community engagement can come in a variety of forms, from separate screens to various pop-ups. You might think of examples like:
- A feed where users can see the achievements of their friends
- Daily challenges
- Allowing users to contribute to the app: adding new running routes, recipes, sharing advice, etc.
- A chat area
Your fitness app will draw more users who are looking for extra support on their quest for good health if you include a community component. We’re all aware that success requires a collaborative effort.
Gamification
Fitness app gamification is not required in any manner; it is merely a fun technique to increase involvement. Gamification typically appears in apps as a separate game component. But some fitness apps, like Zombies Run, completely rely on the game experience to serve as their incentive tool.
Adding challenges, badges, achievements, leader boards, and a lot more are typical methods to include gamification into your fitness mobile app design. These features will undoubtedly increase the appeal of your software and give consumers a special way to become active.
Let’s face it, maintaining a healthy weight is not always enjoyable, especially when you first start. Not everyone uses fitness apps because they enjoy working out a lot. Some people simply decide it’s time to start exercising or losing weight and download a fitness app to support them. You may assist users in achieving their goals while having fun by incorporating gamification.
Other screens
Your main priorities for your app will probably be a convenient home screen and well-organised information, whether it’s a training app or a running app. What about other screens, though? Your app determines everything. Additional screens you might include are:
- Calorie counter
- Calendar and scheduling
- Activity tracker
- Barcode scanner and
- Social media integration
