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
Who is this product designed for?
How does this product fit into their lives?
What are users currently using?
How does this product change that?
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.
Proto-persona
This project will prioritize The Wellness Athlete for its development to differentiate current market product offerings.
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.
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.