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ShoeCycle Case Study

In early 2019 I began work on ShoeCycle, an iOS mobile app which tracks the lifecycle of a runner's athletic shoes. I met with the developer to discuss the app's history and strategize new features requested via user feedback. The project includes user research, development of a new onboarding process and dashboard feature, prototype deliverables and rebranding.

This project is in progress, expected to launch in late 2019.

My Role

As a UX Consultant, I met with developer and owner Ernie Zappacosta to discuss the next release of ShoeCycle. ShoeCycle 2.0 would include a new dashboard feature allowing users to rapidly access historical data about the use of their shoes.

Going over the history of the app, reviewing user-supplied feedback via the App store and conducting a quick heuristic evaluation revealed the need for an onboarding process for new users. We agreed the brand could also use a refresh to accompany the new features and future direction of the app.

Discovery

Discovery began with reviewing user feedback via the App Store. Reviews were a good first step however I wanted to dig deeper by engaging runners with specific questions.

To gain insights into what, why, and how runner's track the life of their running shoes, I created a survey which was posted to various runner's social media groups - Facebook, Twitter, and Slack. Data is currently being compiled and analyzed for feature enhancements and opportunities.

From settings to onboarding

Onboarding FTU

First Time Users (FTU) of ShoeCycle were sent directly to the home screen (Dashboard) where they could set up their shoe profiles to enter dates and distances. Though this gets the user to the end goal immediately, it puts more responsibility on them to uncover the apps full functionality and potentially miss a key feature of the app - syncing with other fitness apps.

With just a few simple onboarding screens shown, FTUs can customize their experience with nominal effect on getting them to the dashboard.

Before

After

Next Steps

During the discovery phase, it was revealed that users want a snapshot element of the shoe's history on the dashboard. I will be conducting a usability study of the new histogram feature to gather data on engagement and pain points.

Prototypes are currently being iterated upon and will be added to this project page upon completion.

Footnotes

By creating a simple three-screen onboarding process we aim to …

  1. Highlight the apps sync function with the user's other health apps
  2. Reduce barriers to customization
  3. Encourage use of the favorite distances feature.