Runner assistant

Runner is an AI-powered personalized running assistant designed to help busy runners automatically generate tailored running plans based on their schedules and weather conditions.

Tools

2 months —— 2021.03-2021.05

Problem Statement

Through research, we discovered that many runners face the following common issues when planning their runs:

  • Difficulty sticking to a running plan – Busy lifestyles make it hard for users to schedule and stick to a consistent running routine.

  • Ignoring weather conditions – Many runners only realize poor weather conditions after they’ve started running, leading to discomfort or skipped runs.

  • Lengthy pre-run preparation – Manually planning runs and selecting appropriate gear takes time and effort, reducing motivation.

Scope

Research, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Information Architecture, User Flow, Visual Design, Prototype, Wireframes

Solution

Automated Running Plan

  • Generates a personalized daily running plan based on user preferences, weather, and schedule.

  • Sends push notifications each morning to remind users of their running plan.

Weather-Based Outfit Recommendations

  • Provides outfit suggestions based on real-time weather data (temperature, wind speed, humidity).

  • Allows users to save preferred gear and match it with current weather conditions.

Personalized Settings and Adjustments

  • Users can customize preferences such as distance, pace goals, and acceptable weather conditions.

  • Includes an “adjust plan” feature to modify the plan before running.

Calendar Integration

  • Seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.

  • Allows users to adjust running plans directly from their calendar. weather, days of running, and dressing suggestions, it can add, view and edit the running plan. When the user click the single-plan, it will show dressing suggestions and warm greetings.

  • Reduce planning time → Automate running plan generation

  • Increase running comfort → Provide weather-based outfit suggestions

  • Improve user engagement and consistency → Integrate the running plan into the user’s daily schedule

Design Goals

User flow

Design process

Information architecture

Research

To better understand user needs and pain points, I conducted the following research:

  • User Interviews: Interviewed 15 active runners to identify common challenges in planning runs.

  • Survey Results: Collected 80 survey responses and confirmed the following data:
    ✅ 78% of runners forget to check the weather before running
    ✅ 65% of users want their running plans integrated into their calendar
    ✅ 72% of runners prefer the app to suggest appropriate clothing based on weather conditions

  • Competitive Analysis: Researched competitors such as Nike Run Club and Strava and identified gaps in automation and weather-based recommendations.

Use case

Andy Wang, who is a workaholic. She has less time to take care of herself and make a sensible running plan for herself.
She wanted Runner to help her to make running plans and manage her daily schedules. So she downloaded Runner to check her May running schedule. And today is her birthday so she wants to add a plan for dinner with friends on it.

User testing

Reflection & Next Steps

What I learned:

  • Automation and personalization are key to improving the user experience.

  • Clear feedback and labeling improve user understanding and reduce friction.

Next Steps:

  • Add GPS-based route recommendations

  • Explore deeper integration with Apple Watch and other wearables