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[Case 04]

ActivePorto: UX Research and Prototyping for Outdoor Fitness

Health & Fitness

ActivePorto

Personalized Outdoor Fitness in Porto

[Project Overview]

ActivePorto is a conceptual mobile app designed to recommend the best outdoor spaces in the Porto Metropolitan Area for physical activity. The project explored how GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data could enhance personalized fitness recommendations. Developed in Figma, the prototype focuses on creating a motivating and user-centered experience that encourages healthier routines through intelligent location-based insights.

[Problem Statement]

Despite Porto’s strong potential for outdoor exercise, many residents struggle to find reliable information about suitable places for physical activity. The lack of accessible, structured guidance contributes to low participation rates and inactivity—contradicting WHO recommendations. The challenge was to design a solution that empowers citizens with clear, personalized suggestions that make outdoor exercise easier and more appealing.

[Industry]

Health & Fitness

[My Role]

UX Researcher & Designer

[Platforms]

Mobile App (Prototype in Figma)

[Timeline]

February 2025 – May 2025

View Live Project

View Live Project

[Persona]

Xavier Alonso

University Student

Young adult recovering from a knee injury, motivated to exercise outdoors safely and stay active without feeling excluded.

Age: 23

Condition: Low Mobility

Tech Proficiency: High

Gender: Male

[Goal]

Maintain mobility and well-being while staying safe.

Find outdoor locations where he feels included and comfortable.

Build a sustainable routine of light exercises that fits his daily life.

[Frustrations]

No clear info about accessibility (ramps, stairs, terrain type).

Fitness apps suggesting routes with difficult or unsafe terrain.

Feeling excluded when friends use apps he can't.

[Process]

[01] User Research

Competitor analysis of leading fitness apps.

Development of personas and user journey maps.

Development of personas and user journey maps.

[01] User Research

Competitor analysis of leading fitness apps.

Development of personas and user journey maps.

Development of personas and user journey maps.

[01] User Research

Competitor analysis of leading fitness apps.

Development of personas and user journey maps.

Development of personas and user journey maps.

[02] Insights

Users value strong personalization (goals, preferences, type of training).

Need for clearer terminology (“training” vs. “exercise”) to reduce friction.

High interest in community features and progress comparison.

[02] Insights

Users value strong personalization (goals, preferences, type of training).

Need for clearer terminology (“training” vs. “exercise”) to reduce friction.

High interest in community features and progress comparison.

[02] Insights

Users value strong personalization (goals, preferences, type of training).

Need for clearer terminology (“training” vs. “exercise”) to reduce friction.

High interest in community features and progress comparison.

[03] Design Solution

Figma prototype with onboarding, location recommendations, exercises, and community features.

Information architecture structured for future GIS integration by another team member.

[03] Design Solution

Figma prototype with onboarding, location recommendations, exercises, and community features.

Information architecture structured for future GIS integration by another team member.

[03] Design Solution

Figma prototype with onboarding, location recommendations, exercises, and community features.

Information architecture structured for future GIS integration by another team member.

[04] Testing & Iteration

Usability testing with 5 participants matching personas.

Tools: UEQ (attractiveness, clarity, efficiency, etc.) + observation grid.

Outcomes: consistently positive evaluations (above +1.0 across several dimensions).

[04] Testing & Iteration

Usability testing with 5 participants matching personas.

Tools: UEQ (attractiveness, clarity, efficiency, etc.) + observation grid.

Outcomes: consistently positive evaluations (above +1.0 across several dimensions).

[04] Testing & Iteration

Usability testing with 5 participants matching personas.

Tools: UEQ (attractiveness, clarity, efficiency, etc.) + observation grid.

Outcomes: consistently positive evaluations (above +1.0 across several dimensions).

[Outcome]

Prototype validated with positive feedback on usability, clarity, and visual appeal.
Critical improvements identified for future iterations, particularly around route clarity and personalization.
Prototype prepared for future GIS integration, supported by user feedback confirming the relevance of accessibility-focused features.

[Key Learnings]

Local context matters

Designs grounded in the real dynamics of a city increase relevance and adoption.

Local context matters

Designs grounded in the real dynamics of a city increase relevance and adoption.

Local context matters

Designs grounded in the real dynamics of a city increase relevance and adoption.

Clarity is key

Simple, familiar language reduces cognitive load and improves onboarding.

Clarity is key

Simple, familiar language reduces cognitive load and improves onboarding.

Clarity is key

Simple, familiar language reduces cognitive load and improves onboarding.

Community drives motivation

Digital community spaces support long-term engagement and healthier routines.

Community drives motivation

Digital community spaces support long-term engagement and healthier routines.

Community drives motivation

Digital community spaces support long-term engagement and healthier routines.

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