Optimity's "Steps Challenge"
Fostering Healthy Competition with a Playful App
Optimity's annual "Steps Challenge" unites employees across the U.S. in a spirited walking competition. Fueled by a desire to beat previous records and engage more participants, the challenge this year was to create an app that fosters camaraderie and creativity. With a tight deadline of just 24 hours, the aim was to design an engaging, user-friendly app for a diverse group of employees, including Business Analysts, Product Designers, and Software Engineers.
Role & Responsibilities
In this rapid design challenge, I was responsible for researching, sketching initial designs, pitching the idea within an hour, and delivering a prototype within 24 hours. Balancing the varied interests and motivations of the users was key.
Research & Discovery
I conducted a brief but focused research process to understand the personas involved. Business Analysts, Product Designers, and Software Engineers each had unique perspectives on the competition. I also considered key elements such as team composition, recording steps, competition levels, and past records.
Select Images to Expand View
Design Process
The design was outlined through a brief experience map sketch, including the app's sign-up process, excursion scheduling, progress tracking, and social media sharing. Innovative ideas like an excursion scavenger hunt were added to engage users in fun and creative ways.
Challenges & Solutions
The main challenge was the tight timeframe, requiring swift decision-making and execution. I addressed this by focusing on key user needs and creating engaging elements that resonated with different personas. The inclusion of a scavenger hunt and social media sharing added an exciting dimension to the app, encouraging participation without interfering with work hours.
Outcome and Impact:
The final prototype was a versatile and engaging app, offering features like designated routes, social media engagement, and a scavenger hunt to win extra points. It successfully encapsulated the social, creative, and competitive aspects of the challenge, meeting the company's goal of increasing participation.
Learnings and Reflections:
The Optimity "Steps Challenge" was an intense but rewarding experience. It reinforced the importance of understanding diverse user needs and the power of creative engagement. The project also emphasized the need for adaptability and agility in design, demonstrating how innovative solutions can be crafted even within tight deadlines.