TechFitness

Enhancing the Running Experience: My Journey with RunnersPlanet

Introduction

Delve into the future of gamified sports, where cutting-edge design revolutionized the running app, and paved the way for innovative move-to-earn ecosystems with a gamified approach.

In April 2021, I joined RunnersPlanet, a dynamic startup in the sports ecosystem space, as a UX Design and Development Intern. My time there was filled with learning and growth as I collaborated with various teams on projects aimed at enhancing the running experience for users.

Enhancing the Design Workflow: Transitioning to Figma

One of my first tasks was to transition the design workflow from Adobe XD to Figma. This was a crucial step in streamlining our design process.

"Transitioning our workflow to Figma ensured that all components were correctly transferred and integrated, reducing design time by 20%."

Creating Consistent Design Systems

I worked with the team to develop a comprehensive design system in Figma, ensuring the consistent use of elements across iOS and Android platforms. This consistency significantly improved the overall user experience.

"Developing a cohesive design system allowed us to maintain a unified look and feel across the app, which was crucial for user satisfaction."

Boosting Performance: From Ionic to React Native

Collaborating with the development team, I contributed to the app's transition from Ionic to React Native, optimizing performance and resulting in a 25% improvement in app performance.

"Switching to React Native allowed us to create a more responsive and performant app, which users appreciated."

Innovating User Engagement: New Features

Working alongside the COO, who was an exceptional artist, I learned a lot about design while we developed features like a live social feed, virtual and physical events, detailed activity tracking, and group challenges. These features increased user engagement by 30%.

"Introducing interactive features like live social feeds and group challenges made the app more engaging and fun for users."

Expanding Our Reach: Social Media Presence

I also assisted in ideation and design for Instagram posts, enhancing the app's social media presence and contributing to a 15% month-on-month user growth.

"Boosting our social media presence helped us connect with more users and grow our community."

Personal and Professional Growth

My experience at RunnersPlanet was immensely rewarding, both personally and professionally. I honed my skills in UX design, front-end development, and user-centric product development methodologies. Working closely with the COO, who was an exceptional artist, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of design and team collaboration.

Key Success Factors: What Made RunnersPlanet Work?

Several factors contributed to our success:

  • Efficient Workflow: Transitioning to Figma streamlined our design process and improved collaboration.
  • Performance Optimization: Moving to React Native enhanced app performance, making it more responsive.
  • User Engagement: Developing interactive features and expanding our social media presence significantly increased user engagement.
  • Consistency in Design: A cohesive design system ensured a unified and satisfying user experience.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing analytics to inform feature development and design choices helped us stay user-focused.

Conclusion: A Journey of Innovation and Learning

Reflecting on my journey with RunnersPlanet, I am proud of the contributions I made and the skills I developed. The experience taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and user-centric design.

As I move forward, I carry these lessons with me, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities with the same determination and innovative spirit. Thank you for reading my story.