Problem / Solution Overview
3
Community Feed for User Interaction
DESIGN APPROACH
Usability Audit --> Research --> Analysis --> Define --> ideation --> design --> usability testing --> Synthesis/Review
Research
Pain Points
Competitive Analysis
Competitors fell short in including community aspect, and educational resources
We analyzed two direct and two indirect competitor apps. The direct competitor apps did not provide any educational resources or exercise explanations to aid in a user’s cold water immersion journey, nor was there any features for users to build a community in the apps. Whereas the indirect competitors both established a well maintained library of resources, guides, and educational articles, but also lacked social interactions, within the app themselves.
Cold Water Therapy
Strengths
Users have their progress tracked on home screen
Easy to connect external apps like Apple Health or Apple Watch
Weaknesses
Lack of accessibility with colors, and features
Limited explanation of features / details
No community features or support
Tracking is locked on a monthly cycle
App is limited to only cold showers/baths
Mindfulness Coach
Strengths
Good use of gamification to keep the user hooked
Also has educational reading
Weaknesses
Outdated UI / design system
Limited design system leads to errors like not having lists in alphabetical order, or search bars missing
Lack of community features
User Flow
To help improve the user experience, our team developed an new flow that included adding a primary CTA to the Cold Shower Challenge at the beginning of the app, and included a sense of community throughout the user journey.
Existing User Flow
Updated User Flow
Wireframes + Design
Mid Fidelity Wireframes
To redesign the architecture of the app, we asked our users what are some of the most important questions that come to mind about starting a cold water immersion journey. Based on interviews, 80% of users stated their #1 question was, “How can I track my progress?”
Exercise Screen
PopUp Complete Screen
Branding & UI Design
A style guide curated for the cold journey
Color Palette
Drawing inspiration from our team mood board, we concluded the ideal branding should emulate a subtle cold, yet comfortable vibe. To do so, we refreshed the color palette to include darker tones of blue, and orange that were inspired by waterfalls.
Primary
#ff9827
#441806
#ffdda8
Neutrals
F4F6FE
7C7C7C
212427
Shapes
Rounded corners can contribute to a softer and friendlier user experience
Typography
Example explanation here fix later
Double liner
Open Sans
Heading
Size: 10px - 32px
Weight: Semibold
Body
Size: 8px - 20px
Weight: Regular
Inter
Button
Size: 14px - 24px
Weight: Medium
Design
Tackling the painpoints through design
01
Painpoint
Among the app’s most requested features were progress tracking, and a simpler start to their journey. Users sought a clearer understanding of their challenge, ability to customize workouts, and a clear overview of their journey.
Solution
In the home screen, users are immediately displayed a dashboard tracker with their current week’s exercises completed
Each tab now offers robust progress tracking, emphasizing both individual achievements and a sense of community.
20 Day Cold Shower Challenge is now able to be tracked, and each week has a breakdown of daily exercises
Example Demo
02
Painpoint
Fostering a sense of community is crucial for users embarking on their cold-immersion journey.
Solution
We designed an intuitive UI that connects users with others who are on the same path, encouraging mutual support and shared experiences.
Key features like community challenges, shared progress tracking, and interactive forums create a supportive environment, making the transition into cold-immersion both motivating and enjoyable.
The app now allows users to see who else is participating in challenges or exercises alongside them.
Example Demo
Testing + Iterations
Usability Testing
In what ways can Wim Hof be improved?
We conducted 6 moderated usability tests with users being asked to complete 10 tasks throughout the redesign.
1
“I’m not sure how to follow the timer if my phone is not in the shower with me”
Integrated a popup timer, giving users more control over when the challenge starts
Second timer starts after first warm shower is completed, alerting users they have 30 seconds to get ready for the cold shower portion
2
“I’d like to see more visuals and less wording for easier immediate comprehension”
Clearer indications between friends/users, and what challenges they completed
More visuals, and less wording can be added to help the user easily navigate who is sharing what challenge they completed that day or week
3
"Are badges and points the same?"
Have a better breakdown of points vs badges and their roles in the app
Aside from leaderboard, how can we incorporate the points into motivating users?
My Learning & Takeaway
Reflection
How has this experience contributed to my growth
Project Management
The project taught our team to meticulously plan, schedule, and execute tasks with precision. I've learned to break down large goals into manageable tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress through tools and collaborative platforms. I also learned the importance of setting clear, achievable deadlines and communication them effectively to the team.
Research / Different User Perspectives
Conducting extensive research deepened my empathy for users. I learned to be more empathetic and layout my design without too many professional words, or robust text, as not all users are tech savvy.
Growth
In our first project for Memorisely's UX Bootcamp, we had the opportunity to talk to fellow designers and mentors. They gave us very insightful feedback, but sometimes as a new designer their honest feedback can hurt. For example, our first iteration of designs led some to feel 'disconnected' from the challenges/message altogether. At the beginning of course the critics hurt, but once we asked what makes them feel disconnected with the design, it was not as terrifying as we thought, and their insights led to a huge help with future iterations.
Before
Before
Join by displays friends/followers
Each challenge/exercise now has a condensed explanation
Results now tracks daily/weekly/monthly mood, achievements, and journal entries
Join by displays friends/followers
Each challenge/exercise now has a condensed explanation
Results now tracks daily/weekly/monthly mood, achievements, and journal entries
1
Color Palette & UI Overhaul
