A new interval training experience unlocked
Role: UX designer
Company: Suunto
Year: 2017
Designing experiences require a deep understanding of that experience so as the people we intend to experience it. In this small sprint project we aimed to reflect that while designing an interval training experience for adventure-craving athletes.
Our Interval Training Experience is a part of the overall training interaction ecosystem in the Suunto sport watches. Interval training mode offers the users a specialised training mode specifically designed for that kind of training. By creating a clear interphase and a of visual guides along with some gamification, this mode offers the ultimate experience for those who like interval training routines and specially for those who like to practice them in more adventurous contexts.
A focus in sport and user
If you do sports, you know that your statistics, pace, rest times and everything in between changes depending on the sport. In training, it is the same. With the rise of high intensity interval trainings and activities such as tabata, it is important to adapt sport watches to these too. Suunto is a reference in sport watches and thus, they didn't let this pass unattended. The idea is simple, to create a sports mode focused on interval training that blends with their existing design system, interaction and visual language. A special focus to experiment with would consider users that practice adventurous/extreme sports.
How could a Suunto interval training mode give precise and meaningful feedback to users while motivating them to keep training? What information should be visible and how?
To design for an athlete, you got to
think like one!
The research and design process included us training with smart watches, the Suunto included, and try to learn how some interval training is done and what is important to measure. We also talked to some people and compiled our findings as we sketched some proposals. This phase relied a lot on experimentation, user research, design, validation and iteration. All in all, we found out that users really want to keep a good visibility on the information that is important for them such as their bpm or interval lap. An important factor for them is also motivation. The way an interphase would motivate them to keep going while exercising, and also to start when not, was a big factor when choosing a smart watch.
Designing the interval mode
An important part of the design was to be coherent with the existing design system and language, yet to stand out. We incorporated the design into the existing sport mode as an option. This means that before starting any exercise mode, the users can use a slider to change to Interval Mode. This allows them to monitor specific information and get feedback on their customised settings. Colour played an important role here too. While exercising, users cannot be focusing too much on their wrist, here is where colour can play an important role. By differentiating different stats with it, users can know with a glance if they are doing ok or not. Other existing sensorial elements like vibrations complement the use of colours. Finally, we added some gamification elements like medals and trophies to motivate users to keep going, but that is not all. The watch also features a gentle reminder within the rest interphase so users can see when their trainings are due as part of their day and also their own rewards, for example, a meal or a drink with friends.
The interval mode helps athletes and adventure seekers to make the best out of their interval training along their day allowing them to focus on the results and track the most meaningful data for them.
Turn your interval training mode on!
Switching to interval mode is as easy as tapping a button but that's not all. As a user, you can create and customise your routines to match your adventure and access them any time. You can also choose your focus in order to receive the most meaningful and useful feedback. Whatever your goal is, Suunto got you covered!
Colour and data
With the Interval training mode, your relevant stats and data are shown in a smart way using colour to indicate different kind of details. For example, while training, the background will change to indicate the level of difficulty of a set and when receiving feedback during rest, your data will be displayed and will change colour depending on the desired or recommended value. Let's say that you finish a set and you quickly check your stats. Since you have set your heart pace as a preferred statistic to be displayed, you will see it going from white to red depending on the value, being red, a risk or too high pace. This applies to most of the stats. This way you can get quick feedback in the data you need the most.
Keep yourself motivated always!
Finally, the interval mode in your watch will keep track and record your progress and give you rewards such as medals and trophies that motivate you to keep going and improving. With the app you can even try challenging friends and have friendly competitions with them or other people. Can you become the next "Best Spartan"? But that is not all, your trainings are also displayed in your watch as a reminder but also rewards you can get after your training. Let's say you completed an intense workout, why not be reminded also that you can have a popsicle during summer? With this Suunto upgrade, now you can.
