Lulu - The Designer

Bim

Company

Bim, Butler Industries

Industry

Fitness

Role

Senior Product Designer

Platform

Native App, Website

About Product

Experience the ultimate in personalized fitness with our app. Connect one-on-one with your chosen personal trainer for live, interactive workouts tailored to your specific goals. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, our platform provides the support and guidance you need to achieve your best.

Task

Create a mobile application that facilitates virtual one-on-one training sessions between trainees and preferred personal trainers.

Results

Bim was featured on the App Store several times in over 19 countries within its first year.

Tools

Problem

Problems with Fitness During COVID-19 Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional fitness routines, presenting numerous challenges:

Closure of gyms and fitness studios: Individuals lost access to essential workout facilities and equipment.
Social distancing restrictions: Limited group exercise classes and personal training sessions.
Increased sedentary lifestyle: Remote work and reduced outdoor activities led to decreased physical activity.
Mental health impact: Isolation and stress negatively affected motivation and exercise adherence.
Lack of access to fitness equipment: Many people lacked the necessary tools for home workouts.
Difficulty maintaining workout routines: Establishing new exercise habits without gym support was challenging.
Weight Gain: Lockdown-induced sedentary lifestyles led to widespread weight gain as individuals lacked access to gyms and outdoor exercise spaces, resulting in decreased physical activity and potential dietary shifts.

These factors contributed to a decline in physical activity levels and overall well-being during the pandemic.

Research

Considering the Challenges of Home-Based Fitness During COVID-19

Limited space: Many homes lacked sufficient room for workouts.
Lack of equipment: Access to gym-quality equipment was restricted.
Motivation challenges: Staying consistent without the social and competitive environment of a gym.
Injury risk: Improper form and lack of expert guidance increased injury potential.
Boredom: Repeating the same workouts without variety led to monotony.
Technical difficulties: Issues with online workout platforms or streaming equipment.

Target Research: Trainees

Disrupted Fitness Routines Lack of Equipment
- Lack of Equipment: Without access to gym equipment, trainees who relied on machines or weights struggled to maintain their usual workout intensity at home.
- Motivation and Guidance: Trainees used to in-person training might have found it difficult to stay motivated and disciplined on their own. Limited Space: Not everyone has a dedicated home gym space.
Impact on Progress
- Muscle Loss and Strength Decline: Studies suggest even short periods of inactivity can lead to muscle loss and strength decline. This could be a concern for those who weren't able to replicate their gym workouts at home.
- Difficulty with Technique: Learning new exercises or maintaining proper form can be challenging without a trainer's guidance. This could increase the risk of injury.
Mental and Social Aspects
- Loss of Social Interaction: Gyms can be a social environment, offering a sense of community and support. Lockdowns took away this aspect, potentially impacting mental well-being.
- Increased Stress Levels: The pandemic itself caused increased stress for many people. Without the gym as an outlet, some might have struggled to manage stress levels effectively
Finding Alternatives
- Limited Online Options: While online fitness options boomed during the pandemic, not everyone found them engaging or accessible. Cost, technical limitations, and lack of personalised tips could be barriers. Motivation to
- Start New Routines: Some trainees might have lacked the initial motivation to explore new at-home workout routines or online fitness platforms.
Positive Adaptations
- Discovering New Activities: For some, gym closures were an opportunity to discover new ways to stay active, like running, bodyweight workouts, or outdoor exercise.
- Developing Home Gyms: Some trainees invested in basic home gym equipment, allowing them to continue strength training routines at home.

Target Research: Trainers

Financial Strain
- Loss of Income: Gyms closing meant trainers lost their income from in-person sessions. They scrambled to find new work, like online training or different jobs altogether.
- Clientele Decline: Gyms closing due to lockdowns hurt trainers twice: no in-person sessions and fewer gym clients meant fewer referrals.
Adapting to Online
- Training Learning Curve: Some trainers weren't ready to teach online. They had to learn new tech and figure out how to train people virtually.
- Engagement Challenges: Keeping clients motivated and engaged during online sessions can be more difficult compared to in-person training.
Reduced Job Security
- Uncertainty: Many trainers operate as independent contractors, facing increased job insecurity with gym closures. The future of the fitness industry remained uncertain during lockdowns.
- Competition: The growth of online fitness platforms meant increased competition for clients, especially for those new to online training.
Impact on Personal Connection
- Loss of Interaction: A big part of a personal trainer's job is the personal connection and motivation they provide clients. Lockdowns took away the in-person interaction, which many trainers and clients valued.
Looking Forward
- Hybrid Approach: As gyms reopen, some trainers are adopting a hybrid approach, offering both online and in-person sessions to cater to client preferences.
- Increased Tech Integration: The future of fitness training will likely involve more tech. Trainers will need to keep learning new tools to stay on top.

Personas

Name

Maya

Target Type

Trainee

About

Age: 32
Occupation: Marketing Manager
Tech Savvy: Yes
Fitness Background: Gym regular for 2 years, enjoys weight training and group fitness classes.

Quotes

"I miss the energy of the gym and pushing myself with other people. Working out at home just feels different."
"There are so many workout apps out there, but it's hard to know which ones are actually good and will help me reach my goals."
"I'm worried about losing all the progress I've made. I need to find a way to stay on track with my fitness at home."

Problem

Due to COVID-19 closures, Maya can't go to the gym. She feels demotivated and worried about losing the progress she's made.

Needs

Effective home workouts: Maya needs structured workout routines she can do at home with minimal equipment.
Motivation and accountability: Maya misses the social interaction and guidance of the gym environment. She needs ways to stay motivated and accountable for her fitness goals.
Variety and challenge: Maya enjoys different types of workouts and wants to avoid a plateau in her fitness progress.

Frustrations

Finding reliable workout resources: There are too many fitness apps and online programs, making it hard to know which ones are effective.
Staying motivated at home: Maya struggles to stick to a workout routine without the gym environment and group classes.
Missing the social aspect: Maya misses the camaraderie and support she received from her gym buddies and trainer.

How to Help

A mobile app offering personalised home workout routines with minimal equipment needs.
A subscription service with live-streamed fitness classes led by certified trainers.
A virtual community platform connecting trainees with each other and fitness professionals for support and motivation.

Name

Elizabeth

Target Type

Trainer

About

Age: 55
Occupation: Entrepreneur (retired)
Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Device: Primarily uses high-end mobile devices and tablets, occasionally uses laptops for extended sessions.

Quotes

"I miss the energy of the gym and pushing myself with other people. Working out at home just feels different."
"There are so many workout apps out there, but it's hard to know which ones are actually good and will help me reach my goals."
"I'm worried about losing all the progress I've made. I need to find a way to stay on track with my fitness at home."

Problem

Due to COVID-19 closures, Elizabeth can't train her clients at the gym anymore. She worries about losing his clients and income.

Needs

Effective online training tools: Elizabeth needs user-friendly platforms for conducting virtual training sessions and monitoring client progress remotely.
Client engagement strategies: Elizabeth needs ways to keep her clients motivated and engaged during online training sessions.
Business continuity: Elizabeth needs to find ways to maintain her client base.

Frustrations

Learning curve for online tools: Elizabeth isn't as comfortable with technology as some younger trainers.
Missing the connection: Elizabeth misses the interaction with her clients that's key to her training style.
Difficulty motivating clients remotely: Elizabeth worries about the effectiveness of online training and keeping clients accountable compared to in-person sessions.

How to Help

A user-friendly online training platform specifically designed for personal trainers.
Educational resources and training programs to help personal trainers adapt their existing skills for successful online coaching.
Online communities connecting personal trainers for peer support, knowledge sharing, and exploring new virtual training techniques.

Customer Journey Map

Trainees

Stage 1: Awareness
- User Actions: Discovers the app through app store, social media, or recommendations. Researches app features and reviews.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Seeks a convenient way to find a suitable trainer, unsure about app's effectiveness.
- Needs: Clear information about trainer qualifications, pricing, and session formats.
Stage 2: Exploration
- User Actions: Downloads the app, creates an account, provides basic information.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Excited about the potential match, concerned about data privacy.
- Needs: Simple and quick onboarding process, clear instructions.
Stage 3: Trainer Selection
- User Actions: Defines fitness goals, preferences, and availability. Searches for trainers based on filters. Reviews trainer profiles and qualifications.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Overwhelmed by options, seeks detailed trainer information, wants to ensure compatibility.
- Needs: Advanced search filters, transparent trainer profiles, ability to compare trainers.
Stage 4: Trainer Booking
- User Actions: Books a trial session or initial consultation, communicates with the trainer.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Excited about the potential match, anxious about the first session.
- Needs: Secure and easy booking process, clear communication channels.
Stage 5: Training Sessions
- User Actions: Attends virtual training sessions, engages with the trainer.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Evaluates trainer's effectiveness, enjoys the workout experience.
- Needs: Reliable and high-quality video and audio, interactive workout platform.
Stage 6: Progress Tracking
- User Actions: Monitors progress, provides feedback to the trainer.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Satisfied with results, seeks accountability and support.
- Needs: Trackable fitness metrics, regular progress updates, option to switch trainers.
Stage 7: Loyalty & Retension
- User Actions: Continues using the app, refers friends, becomes a loyal customer.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Satisfied with the overall experience, recommends the app.
- Needs: Ongoing motivation, exclusive offers, and community building features.

Key Pain Points:

Difficulty finding a compatible trainer
Inefficient booking process
Technical issues during virtual sessions
Lack of progress tracking tools

Trainers

Stage 1: Onboarding
- Actions: Creates a trainer profile, provides qualifications and experience details, sets rates and availability.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Wants to create a professional and attractive profile, seeks to reach potential clients.
- Needs: Easy-to-use profile creation tools, clear guidelines for profile optimization.
Stage 2: Client Acquisition
- Actions: Reviews trainee requests, accepts or declines based on availability and expertise.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Wants to build a client base that aligns with their expertise, seeks to optimize time management.
- Needs: Efficient trainee management tools, clear communication channels with potential clients.
Stage 3: Schedule Management
- Actions: Creates a training schedule, manages bookings, sends reminders.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Wants to optimize schedule efficiency, avoid conflicts.
- Needs: Flexible scheduling options, automated reminders, group session management tools.
Stage 4: Training Delivery
- Actions: Conducts one-on-one or group training sessions, provides feedback to trainees.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Focuses on delivering effective workouts, builds rapport with clients.
- Needs: Reliable video conferencing platform, tools for tracking client progress.
Stage 5: Client Retention and Growth
- Actions: Monitors client progress, offers additional services, seeks referrals.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Aims to build long-term client relationships, expand client base.
- Needs: Client retention tools, referral programs, opportunities for professional development.

Key Pain Points:

Time-consuming profile creation
Difficulty managing multiple clients and schedules
Technical issues during online training sessions
Lack of tools for tracking client progress

Branding

We chose a colour scheme of dark blue, grey, and white to symbolise purity, trust, and balance. This choice reflects the company's commitment to providing dependable, uncomplicated service.

Frontend

Modules for Bim: Trainee View

Home Page
- Personalized workout recommendations
- Upcoming training sessions
- Progress tracking overview
- Community feed and challenges
- Featured trainers and workouts
Trainer Search
- Filter options (location, specialization, price, availability)
- Trainer profiles with qualifications, reviews, and pricing
- Booking options for trials or regular sessions
Exercises
- Pre-recorded workouts categorized by fitness goals
- Ability to filter workouts by duration, equipment, and difficulty
- Workout details (description, target muscle groups, equipment required)
Profile
- Personal information (name, email, preferences)
- Payment information (with Purchasely)
- Workout history
- Settings (notifications, reminders, etc.)

Modules for Bim: Trainer View

Dashboard
- Overview of upcoming sessions, client progress, and notifications
- Quick access to frequently used tools (e.g., calendar, messaging)
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) for trainer performance
Client Management
- List of current and past clients
- Client profiles with training history, goals, and preferences
- Communication tools (chat, video calls)
- Session scheduling and management
Workout Library
- Create, edit, and manage workout plans
- Access to pre-built workout templates
- Ability to share workouts with clients
Calendar
- Visual overview of scheduled sessions
- Integration with personal calendar
- Ability to manage availability and booking preferences
Earnings and Payments
- Overview of earnings and payments
- Invoicing and payment history (with Purchasely)
- Tax information and reporting
Profile and Settings
- Trainer profile management (bio, qualifications, photos)
- Pricing and package information
- Notifications and preferences
- Account settings and security

Prototyping

Main Interaction Ideas

On Drag
- Revealing hidden content: Expanding Wallet History further, displaying additional information.
- From Trainer's profile, when user swipes up, they will be able to view more content.
On Tap
- Single touch: A single finger tap on the screen.
- Quick action: Immediate response.
- Component: Button.
- From Trainer's profile, when user taps on a video, the video uploaded by trainer will be auto played.

Bim

Match with Personal Trainers

App Store

Google Play

Bim

Match with Personal Trainers

App Store

Google Play

Features

Get a unique coaching experience right from your home

Explore certified personal trainers' profiles
Book private classes & chat via in-app messages
Live 1-1 workout sessions over video call
Schedule your sessions
Follow workouts and programs created by personal trainers

Match with your personal trainer

We will match you with the personal trainer that fits your needs and objectives.

Get 1-1 guidance

Train under the professional eye of your coach during live video calls and stay in touch in our in-app chat may you have any questions.

Follow personal trainers

Stay away from fitness boredom by getting notified of new content releases from your favorite coaches.

Try personalized programs

Discover workouts and programs suggested for your goals, or create your owns thanks to our workout builder with over 200 exercises available.

Schedule your sessions

Plan your workouts and see them synchronize with your calendar for an unbreakable consistency.

Even more on Apple Watch, iPad & SharePlay

Access advanced features with your Apple Watch: real-time heart rate, Ghost mode & Competition mode.

Achievements

Bim was featured in 19 countries on AppStore for iOS16, Apps category, Widgets category and also featured in Apple Keynote.

Create widgets

Design Bim’s logos

Create paywalls

Lead conferences

Collaboration

As the sole senior designer on the team, I played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between design and development. My collaboration with various stakeholders was essential in delivering successful projects.

Collaboration with the Head of Tech
- Strategic alignment: Worked closely with the head of tech to define product vision and align design goals with technical capabilities.
- Resource allocation: Collaborated on prioritizing design projects based on business objectives and technical feasibility.
- Technology integration: Ensured design solutions were compatible with existing technology infrastructure.
Collaboration with the Development Team
- Design handover: Clearly communicated design specifications and requirements to developers.
- Agile methodology: Participated in daily stand-ups and sprint planning to ensure design alignment with development efforts.
- Iterative design: Collaborated closely with developers to refine designs based on technical feedback.
- Mentorship: Provided design guidance and support to junior developers.
Collaboration with the Marketing Team
- Brand identity: Worked with the marketing team to develop and maintain consistent brand guidelines.
- Campaign design: Created design assets for marketing campaigns and promotions.
- User acquisition: Collaborated on designing user acquisition funnels and landing pages.
Management of Interns
- Mentorship and training: Provided guidance and support to junior designers.
- Skill development: Assigned tasks to foster growth and learning.
- Project delegation: Delegated design tasks while maintaining quality control.

Summary

Bim is a groundbreaking fitness platform that revolutionizes the way people connect with personal trainers. By seamlessly matching trainees with qualified professionals based on their specific fitness goals, the app fosters personalized and effective workout experiences. With features that enable trainers to efficiently manage their schedules, conduct one-on-one and group sessions, and track client progress, Bim empowers fitness experts to build thriving businesses.

By deeply understanding the needs of both trainees and trainers, I crafted a seamless and intuitive interface that facilitated efficient trainer-trainee matching, scheduling, and session management. My designs, coupled with the development team's expertise, resulted in a product that has garnered significant user adoption and industry recognition, including coveted features on the App Store and Apple Keynote.