Client background and timeline
When Kabata brought us their visionary smart dumbbell concept and an existing app prototype, we
recognized the potential for a game-changing fitness experience. They sought a design audit,
supported by extensive secondary research, initiating a collaborative journey towards an elevated
user experience. Together, we set out to seamlessly integrate their cutting-edge hardware with an
intuitive, engaging digital interface.
Through secondary research and strategic planning, we pinpointed crucial areas for improvement
and crafted a comprehensive roadmap of actionable recommendations. This roadmap, tailored to
Kabata’s timeline and milestones, ensured a clear path forward for their vision. This case study delves
into the strategic steps taken not only to meet Kabata’s initial requests, but to surpass them by
initiating a phased out, user-friendly, delightfully engaging fitness solution.
Design audit and competitive analysis
Initially, our engagement with Kabata was structured around a focused scope. We set out to conduct
a comprehensive competitor analysis, providing valuable insights into industry trends and best
practices. This was coupled with a rigorous user experience design audit, meticulously aligned with
established user heuristics, to identify areas for enhancement. In dissecting Kabata’s industry
landscape, we honed in on key competitors, seeking not only to understand their offerings, but to
uncover distinctive insights.
We set out to introduce a user-centric approach that empowers individuals to curate routines tailored
to their unique needs and preferences. This personalized touch not only addresses the issue of
choice overload, but also fosters a deeper sense of engagement and ownership in one’s fitness
journey. Moreover, we identified a golden opportunity to extend the app’s utility beyond the confines of
the smart dumbbells, seamlessly integrating it into users’ daily routines. This holistic approach
ensures that Kabata’s innovation becomes an indispensable companion, enhancing not only
workouts, but overall well-being.
Recommendations and phasing features
As our collaboration unfolded and the potential for synergy became evident, we found opportunities
to extend our support beyond the initial sprint of secondary research and recommendations based
on a design audit. With a wealth of insights in hand, we methodically assessed and prioritized our
actionable recommendations, aligning them with the core value they promised to deliver to Kabata’s
app. This process allowed us to distill a comprehensive plan into three distinct sprints, strategically
sequenced to maximize impact.
Each sprint was meticulously designed to apply our design enhancements in the most effective
manner, propelling Kabata towards their critical milestones. This included a focused effort on the
timely release of a physical prototype, a pivotal moment in their journey. Additionally, we ensured that
our recommendations catered to the unique needs and expectations of shareholders, guaranteeing
alignment between the app’s evolution and the overarching goals of the company. This roadmap not
only provided a clear path forward, but also demonstrated our commitment to facilitating Kabata’s
success in every aspect of their venture.
Redesigning UI with recommendations in mind
Initially, Kabata’s engagement was focused on a competitor analysis and a design audit of their
existing app. However, upon witnessing the depth of insights and potential improvements we
uncovered, Kabata was thoroughly impressed. Recognizing the value of our recommendations, they
not only extended our engagement but also granted us the green light to kickstart the first sprint
outlined in their customized roadmap. This meant rolling up our sleeves and working hand-in-hand
with their team to conceptualize, design, and implement the pivotal features and strategies outlined.
By fostering a collaborative environment, we ensured that Kabata’s vision was not only understood
but enriched by our expertise. Together, we tackled the challenges of this first sprint, laying a robust
foundation for the app’s evolution. This hands-on approach exemplifies our dedication to not just
providing recommendations, but actively contributing to the tangible progress and success of
Kabata’s innovative venture.
Kabata Hero and decision to narrow focus
In close collaboration with the Kabata team’s talented developers and product designer, we
embarked on a journey of iterative refinement. Together, we focused on implementing a series of
feature revisions, strategically aimed at enhancing the app’s active workout interface, routine builder,
and workout discovery methods.
By fine-tuning these critical components, we aimed to provide users with a seamless, intuitive
experience that empowers them to craft personalized fitness routines effortlessly. Moreover, we
delved into the realm of data visualization, creating a framework that offers users actionable insights
at any stage of their fitness journey. This collaborative effort not only propelled the app’s functionality
to new heights, but also reinforced our commitment to delivering a transformative fitness experience
for Kabata’s users.
What next?
In a series of whirlwind week long sprints, our collaboration with the Kabata team yielded
transformative results. Together, we tackled pivotal design revisions, ensuring the app’s active
workout interface, routine builder, and discovery methods exceeded expectations. With a keen focus
on data visualization, we empowered users with actionable insights at every step of their fitness
journey.
As we wrapped up this dynamic phase, we meticulously documented our designs, equipping Kabata
with a comprehensive toolkit for the journey ahead. With a clear roadmap and a solid foundation in
place, we’re confident that Kabata is poised for success in the remainder of their timeline. This
partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and user-centric design in propelling
the future of fitness technology. We look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of Kabata’s
groundbreaking venture.