Semi-Structured Interviews

In order to understand our users and their needs, we conducted a number of semi-structured interviews. For each interview, we timestamped interviewer questions and transcribed user responses for easier analysis. We then converted our response transcriptions into a set of simple, direct statements which we then compiled into an affinity map.

We interviewed 6 people of working age (between the ages of 21 and 24) on how they exercise with remote friends, and how that contributes to their motivation and routine.

Affinity Map

We then took all of the statements across our interviews, and visualized them using an affinity map, grouping similar statements into ideas, and grouping similar ideas into themes. This formed a bottom-up understanding of how our users felt about exercising remotely, and helped us identify what pain points they encountered, as well as what they had found worked for them and what they thought could be improved.

Findings

Group exercise compels users to exercise more consistently and more intensely

Group exercise is an effective means of socialization, providing users consistent opportunities to meet up with their friends and talk with each other about making lifestyle improvements

Our users conduct remote synchronous workouts with video conferencing apps, and naturally they suffer the usual connection and audio issues we all do; however for them, interrupting the flow of exercise can be extra annoying

Our user population have busy, fluid schedules that often get in the way of exercise

Users seem to like stat tracking and gamification as motivators