APEX Team Presents: Remote Fitness

Exercising together despite the distance

Design Requirements

Following from our research findings, we crafted design requirements with which we would construct and evaluate our prototype.

Functional Requirements

  1. The system should facilitate remote synchronous workout. Our system should, at the very least, allow users to conduct

  2. The system supports asynchronous workout, but highly encourage synchronous workout. We want our system to encourage group workouts but not overlook instances when users do not have other people to work out with

  3. The system promotes consistency of exercise through group socialization regarding exercise. Research showed working out with friends prompted consistency and helped users stick to a fitness routine

  4. The system keeps track of user workout progress. Our research findings show that users prefer tracking their activity as this allows them to see their progress; this motivates them and encourages them to be persistent

Non-functional Requirements

  1. Involves bodyweight workouts exclusively. Our research revealed that a majority of our users lack workout equipment and resort to bodyweight workouts. Thus, we concluded that relying on bodyweight exercises would be the most generalizable workout for our target population. 

  2. The system should work on laptop/tablet devices. Laptops/tablets are the most portable devices on which a user can effectively participate on a video call while watching video from a distance; any smaller and users exercising at potentially several feet may not be able to discern what’s on their screen 

  3. Has an interface that is clearly visible so users can act towards their intended goals. We found that system clarity could reduce cognitive load and build user confidence as they achieve their goals.

  4. Promotes accessibility by accommodating different exercise needs. Our target population has varied skills, experience, and needs in their workout routines. Thus, the system needs to cater to these unique needs and goals. 

  5. The vibe of the system should be friendly and inviting; exercise should feel rewarding and promote camaraderie. Some users mentioned being wary of working out; thus, we want our system to make exercise feel rewarding and promote camaraderie amongst their workout group.