RogerMillerMpls@hotmail.com
Project
Imbue was looking to evaluate the usability of the existing tool in order to ensure that users are clear on how to use, leverage, and engage with Imbue as a whole.
Recommendation
Learning that users had difficulties with understanding the value proposition, understanding the nomenclature and information architecture, and accessing detailed information — the owners can put resources into eliminating these obstacles. Once eliminated, these changes will enable users to clearly see the unique benefits of a universal gym membership app.
UX Components
Heuristic Evaluation
Remote Usability Studies
Information Synthesis
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Imbue Fitness App
Working Out the Kinks… Recommendations for Imbue.
Imbue is a fitness marketplace app that provides customers with access to multiple gyms, fitness centers and online workouts. Imbue members pay a single fee that allows them access to all partners in the Imbue network.
Usability Findings
A prototype of the fitness app “Imbue” was evaluated by 13 participants in a remote usability study. While many users were intrigued by the possibilities of utilizing a single membership to access a variety of fitness options, it fell short in user expectations in several key areas.
Users had difficulty understanding the value proposition of the app. By redesigning the homepage and key navigation elements (Gyms, Instructors, Equipment) will reveal these benefits to the user.
The lack of common language conventions prevented understanding. Users didn’t understand the concept of “influencers” on a fitness app. Changing this label to “instructors” and the label “studios” to “gyms” will fit the mental model of users looking for these items.
Detailed and accessible information is needed by users to fully understand and use the app. The systems/control section of the app should include categories such as: Edit Profile, Membership Levels, Premium Content, About Imbue, Contact Us, and a link to information about supporting fitness workers during the pandemic.
Once established, these changes would enable users to clearly see the unique benefits of a universal gym membership app.
Finding #1
The interface doesn’t explain the value of the Premium Content and why users would want it. As a result, users spent very little time exploring it.
No information explaining what Premium Content includes.
Complicated by not understanding overall pricing structure of app.
Confusion over the repeating information about supporting influencers and gyms.
Recommendations:
Create a section under the navigation drawer to explain “Premium Content.”
Create a section under the navigation drawer for “Membership Levels” to fully explain levels and what you receive.
Remove the persistent and copy-heavy “Support This Gym” paragraph and replace with a link in the navigation drawer: “Supporting fitness professionals during Covid-19.”
Finding #2
Information does not clearly define who “influencers” are and how they fit into the app.
Not a clear mental model on what role influencers play. Users want to scan their real names, and area of focus
Are influencers Instagram models or fitness instructors?
Photos of Influencers range in style and professional quality.
Recommendations:
Change “Influencers” to “Fitness Instructors” which is a much clearer term and more relevant to fitness goals.
Establish a consistent photo format.
Add helpful information about fitness coaches, like real name, area of focus.
Finding #3
Detailed and accessible information is desired by the user to fully understand and use the app.
Users need to know locations of gyms, features and have ability to sort while browsing.
Users are not able to articulate app features.
Renting equipment was well received as option but difficult to find.
Recommendations:
Add a location filter or map for gym locations.
Relocate “Equipment Rentals” to bottom of screen with other major sections.
Utilize home screen real estate to promote range of app features.
Add gym name, specialties and location below logos.
Conclusion
Doing usability testing with an early-stage prototype reduces risks for the owner of the site —finding and fixing problems when they are easy and inexpensive to fix. Learning that users had difficulties with understanding the value proposition, understanding the nomenclature and information architecture, and accessing detailed information — the owners can put resources into eliminating these obstacles.
Once eliminated, these changes will enable users to clearly see the unique benefits of a universal gym membership app.
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