Stoke was created out of a need to make a comprehensive product
that addresses the correlation amongst fitness, nutrition, and
mental health. Competitive analyses proved existing products on
the market as one-sided, too heavily focused on hitting a number
goal, and including data that is either misleading or too
technical. Through initial user research, I learned users are left
confused, overwhelmed, or traumatically triggered, making it
difficult to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
“Fitness and nutrition should add to your life, not be a
negative thing.”
The current state of the fitness and nutrition industry is triggering,
especially for those with histories of
disordered eating or body dysmorphia.
“It would be great for the numbers to happen behind the
scenes.”
Users want their data to be more contextual and educational
rather than generically prescribed numbers and graphs.
“I struggled with that lean body mindset.”
Positive encouragement is lacking in current trackers, which
influences users to behave or pick up habits that do not
improve health and wellbeing.
“I think about eating quite a bit, and probably not in a
healthy amount.”
A large obstacle surrounding nutrition is proper emotional
support and understanding how to affect stable positive
change.
Solution
Mindfulness is at the core of wellness.
Stoke aims to provide realistic data and properly educate the user
on how all their choices impact their health. The app seamlessly
allows users to track all their health metrics and provides
qualitative feedback.
Design Process
To start, I conducted competitive analyses of similar apps in the market as well as
interviewed target users about their goals and experiences using these apps. This allowed me
to determine the types of
users that would benefit from Stoke. I created two user personas
that reflected individuals with differing goals and education.
While there is the average user who has limited knowledge of the science
behind health, it was important to also consider users whose
backgrounds are deeply rooted in fitness and nutrition.
User Personas
To design the
layout of the app, I created user flows based on my personas to come up with a sitemap.
A card sorting test was conducted to determine what needed
clarification or revision. After a final amendment of the sitemap, I created low-fidelity
wireframes of the
dashboard and core features.
User Flows
Card Sorting Results
Sitemap
Initial Sketches
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
To establish the app's basic foundations, components, and patterns, I created a design
system and style guide to deliver to developers. To convey emotion within the user, I
utilized hues of
orange (excitement and enthusiasm) and green (tranquility and
health) as my primary and secondary colors.
Iterations & Feedback
After several design iterations, usability testing was conducted
with 5 participants to determine how easily users could understand
the purpose and value of Stoke. A major insight from this testing
was that users did not feel mindfulness was at the forefront of
the app. As a core value, it was imperative to fix this issue.
Additionally, I received peer reviews from fellow UX designers
that aided in revising my design to become more accessible and
satisfactory.
Next Steps
Through a user-centered design process, I gained a deeper understanding of how to create a solution that not only met the requirements of a functional application, but also how to make a meaningful and impactful experience for users.
Going forward, future iterations will integrate additional core features, such as interacting with a personal coach and a comprehensive journal for food and mood tracking. Ensuring that all new and revised designs remain user-centric will drive an effective and enhanced solution within the health and wellness industry.
