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SOUN.AH

An end-to-end mobile sauna app

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The global sauna market is experiencing significant growth, with experts projecting an annual increase of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. This significant growth is driven by factors like increasing wellness priorities among an aging population, advancements in sauna technology, and the rise of at-home saunas, which held a 56.8% market share in 2023, driven by consumer demand for home-based wellness solutions. (Grand View Research, 2024).

However, many sauna-related apps fail to fully capitalize on this trend by neglecting features crucial for user engagement and maximizing the health benefits sought by users.

Role

Product Designer

Timeline

8 Weeks

Contribution

UX/UI, Research, Visual, Interaction, Wireframing, Prototyping, Testing

Framework

IDEO, Design Thinking

Problem

Fitness enthusiasts want data to understand how saunas help them improve their routine so that they can recover better and faster.

Solution

This project aims to create a helpful tool that uses data to show athletes how saunas can boost their performance and recovery.

Key Features

1

1

Customization with sauna programs and cold options

Most sauna integrated apps don’t have cold options to accommodate users who use both sauna and cold baths or showers for muscle recovery.

2

2

Personalization utilizing AI and heart rate monitoring sensors

Users valued personalized warnings tailored to their conditions during activities.

3

3

Personal Health Score to encourage good health and habits

Users said they were more motivated to improve when seeing numbers reflective of their health.

Click prototype to enlarge

Research

Competitive Analysis

This research informed me of three key insights that lacked in the market:

1

Requires manual entry

Most sauna apps require manual entry such as temperature and duration after a sauna session.

2

Endangers users’ safety

Many sauna apps encourage use in saunas, despite mobile and smartwatch manufacturer warnings.

3

Limited metrics

The sauna apps that can track real-time results are limited and don’t provide personal insights.

Product Exploration

I began by addressing a key fundamental issue with existing apps: user safety. To solve this, I explored a novel approach: pairing the app with a durable, sauna-safe device.

Who is this product designed for?

This product is designed for anyone seeking to enhance their wellness routine through the use of saunas and cold therapy.

How does this product fit into their lives?

This product provides users with safe, real-time health data directly on their mobile app. It helps them understand their health trends and make informed decisions to improve their well-being.

What are users currently using?

Currently, users either manually log their sessions in existing apps or risk damaging their devices by bringing phones, fitbits, or smartwatches into the sauna or cold plunge.

How does this product change that?

This app eliminates the safety hazards of using a smart phone inside the sauna by pairing with a dedicated unit. It also automatically tracks sessions, eliminating manual data entry.

User Interviews

After interviewing 5 users, the research informed me of these key insights:

Key Insights

Contrast data preferences

40% of users wanted data to track progress, while 60% of users wanted predictions for the future.

Willingness to share data

100% of users value clear data usage information and prefer accuracy over guessing when providing data.

Sought out customization options

100% of users sought personalized programs aligned with their health goals and prioritized heart rate data the most.

Unaware of wearable device risks

100% of users were unaware of the risks of using smart wearables in saunas despite manufacturer warnings.

Sandy L.

Recreational Badminton Player

Amanda K.

Former National Ultimate Player

Tommy M.

Daily Track Runner

Proto-persona

This project will prioritize The Wellness Athlete for its development to differentiate current market product offerings.

User Group 1


The Meditative Yogi

SUKI SHIZUKA

Age 28

Profession: Teacher

Location: Tokyo, Japan

MOTIVATIONS & GOALS

  • Reduce stress and promote relaxation

  • Improve skin complexion

WANTS & NEEDS

  • Personalized sauna experiences

  • Ability to track progress and see immediate results

PAIN POINTS

  • Sauna routine lacks recommendations

  • Clear guidance on ideal sauna durations

  • Bringing a smartphone into the sauna disrupts the tranquility

User Group 2


The Wellness Athlete

EREN FAUST

Age 36

Profession: Trainer

Location: Austin, Texas

MOTIVATIONS & GOALS

  • Seeks to optimize his sauna routine for quicker muscle recovery and peak fitness.

WANTS & NEEDS

  • Emphasizes a desire for data-driven insights to improve current routine

  • Desires customization and program control

PAIN POINTS

  • No customization for routine options

  • Manual entries are tedious

  • Bringing a smartwatch into the sauna is hazardous

Design I

Wireframes

After creating a list of features, sitemap, and user flows, I prioritized the information needed for the MVP.

Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Create variations of the same features

From the design:

  • What type of customized programs do they imagine?

  • What type of data and insights do they desire to have and want to see?

User Testing

Investigate what this app could become

Questions to ask:

  • What do you prioritize when you think of health data?

  • How much info are you willing to give to receive results and suggestions?

Key Insights

Establish credibility

Users trusted the app more when they understood how the health score was calculated.

Stick to a routine

Users wanted to track sauna conditions for optimal results and routine.

Prioritize health data

Users wanted to track calories and heart rate, similar to their other fitness devices.

Design II

Visual Identity

Establish the unique and recognizable appearance of soun.ah.

1

Transparent

Transparency about data use builds trust between users and businesses.

2

Innovation

Using glassmorphism helps to create a modern and informative look.

3

Relaxation

Selecting calm colors creates serenity and promotes mental clarity.

Logo

soun.ah

Typeface

This is a headline

This is a subtitle

Color

Prototype

After receiving user feedback on features and concept, I focused on the key user flows: track a program and post a session.

Hi-Fidelity Wireframes


Knowing how to use the product's primary features.

From the design:

  • What do users think differentiates each customized program?

  • What type of information do users think they’ll find in each tab?

Usability Testing


Examine what is wrong throughout the user experience

Questions like:

  • How do you perceive the difference of each program to be?

  • Where do you think you’ll find the information you just posted?

Iteration

After testing 5 users, the research informed me of these key insights:

Key Insights

Personalization is ideal

Some didn't understand the toggle, but thought it might help people with heart problems.

1

See changes when toggling

Putting the toggle in the right place helps users see what they chose and its effect.

Data privacy mattered

Most users wanted to know where their results would be posted. They were worried about data privacy.

2

Add a confirmation toast

A message can let users know their data is saved and they can find it later.

Before

Revised

Before

Revised

Click to enlarge

Final Design

Soun.ah is a sauna app that offers personalized programs and health insights. It works with the Sand Sensor to get real-time data from the sauna.

1

Stay engaged and delighted

2

Personalize health goals

3

See insights, make changes

HOME TAB

Personal Health Score

Addressing the need for transparency and trust.

PROGRAMS TAB

Customized Programs

Addressing the need for targeted programs with optimal routines.

INSIGHTS TAB

Health Insights & Patterns

Addressing the need for health insights and patterns.

Reflection

On utilizing artificial intelligence (AI): Users were hesitant to share personal data for AI insights. Accurate data is important for helpful recommendations. Sharing more data leads to better recommendations.

Added Tools

Generative AI Image Tool (Visual Electric), Conversational AI Chatbox Tool (Gemini )

Use Case

Create a product that could potentially complement the app for data collection.

What I learned

I asked users if they'd share more data for better recommendations. They were willing, but I realized that asking too many questions could lead to less accurate data in the design stage. So, I decided to keep the app simple.

For next time

Focus on making data collection easier for users when designing. This included thinking of tools that could integrate seamlessly to reduce the burden on users and make the process more intuitive.

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