Outside iOS App – Inspiring and Activating Outdoor Enthusiasm
Outdoor activity rates in the U.S. are declining, with nearly half the population not participating in any outdoor activity as of 2021. This trend contributes to widespread mental and physical health challenges. The Outside+ App was designed to address this problem, encouraging people to reconnect with nature by providing personalized recommendations, rewards, and a sense of community. Download
The Problem
Challenge: Many people understand the benefits of spending time outdoors but struggle to act on it due to time constraints, lack of inspiration, or unfamiliarity with local activities.
Impact: This results in fewer opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor activities' mental and physical health benefits.
The Audience
Our primary audience includes:
1. Millennials and Gen Z users who are tech-savvy, competitive, and environmentally conscious.
2. Individuals seeking curated outdoor activities and inspiration tailored to their interests, time, and location.
3. Subscribers motivated by rewards for achieving goals, such as redeeming points for gear or donating to environmental causes.
Research Process
Step 1: Defining the Product
We started by presenting three unique prototypes to users, gathering feedback to select the most promising design direction.
Step 2: Revised Design Testing
The chosen design underwent further iteration and usability testing with a targeted user group to refine core features, navigation, and content organization.
Step 3: Beta Testing
The app was beta-tested with 200 users, supplemented by surveys and in-depth video interviews. This process:
• Validated user preferences for features like video content and personalized recommendations.
• Highlighted areas for improvement, such as the need for streamlined access to videos.
• Informed future design work and app direction.
The research findings were presented to stakeholders, demonstrating clear user engagement insights that shaped both the app’s current and future roadmap.
The Solution
The Outside App integrates the following features to inspire and activate users:
1. Personalized Content: Curated articles, videos, and podcasts based on user preferences, behavior, and geolocation.
• Key Addition: A geotagged map view where users can explore location-specific content.
2. Activity Recommendations: Tailored suggestions based on interests, location, weather, and available time.
• Example: Users specify available time, and the app recommends activities that fit their schedule.
3. New Video Section: Based on beta testing feedback, we introduced a dedicated video section for short-form and long-form videos. This significantly improved content discoverability and user engagement.
4. Rewards System: Gamified outdoor activities with points (Outercoins) redeemable for gear or donations, alongside challenges and leaderboards to build community.
5. Subscription and Monetization: Seamless in-app purchases and trials to convert casual users into loyal subscribers.
My Role
As the Design Lead, I:
• Conducted user research to understand barriers to outdoor activity.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create a cohesive vision.
• Designed interactive prototypes to validate key hypotheses (e.g., preference for short-form vs. long-form content).
• Spearheaded the development of the geotagging feature and map-based discovery for a more engaging user experience.
• Iterated on designs based on metrics like retention rates, app ratings.
The Process
1. Research & Beta Testing
• Conducted user interviews and a 200-user beta test, revealing preferences for video content and personalized recommendations.
• Feedback informed the addition of features like the video section and improved navigation.
• Feedback informed the addition of features like the video section and improved navigation.
2. Design & Development
• Created high-fidelity wireframes and prototypes for geotagged content, the video section, and activity recommendations.
• Implemented a map-based content discovery feature and a streamlined rewards dashboard.
3. Testing & Iteration
• A/B tested short-form versus long-form video content for engagement optimization.
• Iterated on design elements like filters and onboarding based on beta testing results.
Results & Impact
• Increased Engagement: Weekly active users 10K within six months of launch.
• Higher Retention Rates: Four-week retention improved from 52.5% to 60%.
• Enhanced User Experience: The addition of the video section led to a 20% increase in time spent in-app per session.
• Positive Feedback: 87% of beta testers reported feeling more motivated to spend time outdoors, and the app’s App Store rating 4.6 stars.
Reflection
Beta testing and user interviews were critical in shaping the Outside+ App’s final design. By listening to real users and iterating on feedback, we successfully created a product that inspires and motivates people to get outdoors. This experience reinforced the importance of a collaborative, user-centered approach to design and taught me valuable lessons about testing, iteration, and adaptability.
• Include screenshots of the geotagged map, video section, and rewards dashboard to visually demonstrate key features.
• Add user feedback highlights from beta testing to emphasize user engagement and impact.