Hero Metrics in the Workout Experience
Providing focus for users, even while they’re breaking a sweat
Company
Tempo Fitness
Role
Lead Product Designer
Timeline
2 months
When Tempo first launched, it focused on 3 types of classes, strength training, HIIT, and Mobility, with 4 different metrics we tracked equally—Reps, Pace, Depth, and Heart Rate. And this was the same class experience, no matter the class type. The principle was mostly “show off the tech and what the product can do”, less considerations about what the member might actually need.
The problems
When we started working with our fitness science team, they noted that the goals of strength training sets and HIIT or cardio sets are very different. In strength training, members should focus on proper form, and a set rep target and a controlled pace. In HIIT, members should focus on constant movement and hitting the correct heart rate zone.
Rooting the product in fitness science, how might the workout experience provide focus for members during different class types based on the class goals.
Getting to know the product
Kicking this off only one month after joining Tempo, I spent time physically using the product, getting to know the physical device, as I had never worked on a 42” touchscreen product before. I took as many workouts as I could, understanding when I might be looking at the screen, vs. when I might need to turn to the side or sit on the floor.
For inspiration I looked at infographics and data visualization, but I also looked at a lot of gaming and motion design.
Creating an MVP
The proposal was to have each of the three metrics—Pace, Heart Rate, and Reps— to have a large state and a small state, encouraging focus in different sets with different fitness goals.
Learnings
And from the launch, the interviews, and general community reaction, the sentiment around this feature was extremely positive and well received. This was the first major feature change to the workout experience and they noted that the emphasis helped them focus and actually changed how they did their workouts.