[Case 04]

ActivePorto: UX Research and Prototyping for Outdoor Fitness

Health & Fitness

ActivePorto

Personalized Outdoor Fitness in Porto

[Project Overview]

ActivePorto is an application proposal that recommends green and blue spaces in the Porto Metropolitan Area for outdoor exercise. The prototype, developed in Figma, explored the future integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) data, focusing on the design of a digital experience centered on personalization and user motivation.

[Problem Statement]

Despite Porto's high potential for outdoor exercise, many citizens do not have access to clear information about the ideal locations for physical activity. This gap contributes to low levels of sports participation, in contrast to WHO recommendations.

[Industry]

Health & Fitness

[My Role]

UX Researcher & Designer

[Platforms]

Mobile App (Prototype in Figma)

[Timeline]

February 2025 – May 2025

[Persona]

Xavier Alonso

University Student

Student recovering from a knee injury. He wants to go outside and exercise safely, 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)

Apps suggesting unsuitable routes with hard terrain

Feels left out when friends use apps he can’t

[Process]

[01] User Research

Benchmarking of fitness apps.

Development of personas and user journeys.

Information architecture and site map.

[01] User Research

Benchmarking of fitness apps.

Development of personas and user journeys.

Information architecture and site map.

[01] User Research

Benchmarking of fitness apps.

Development of personas and user journeys.

Information architecture and site map.

[02] Insights

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

Need for more intuitive terms (“training” instead of “exercise”).

Interest in digital community and progress comparison.

[02] Insights

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

Need for more intuitive terms (“training” instead of “exercise”).

Interest in digital community and progress comparison.

[02] Insights

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

Need for more intuitive terms (“training” instead of “exercise”).

Interest in digital community and progress comparison.

[03] Design Solution

Prototype in Figma with registration features, location recommendations, exercises, and community.

Structure prepared for future integration with GIS, to be handled by another team member.

[03] Design Solution

Prototype in Figma with registration features, location recommendations, exercises, and community.

Structure prepared for future integration with GIS, to be handled by another team member.

[03] Design Solution

Prototype in Figma with registration features, location recommendations, exercises, and community.

Structure prepared for future integration with GIS, to be handled by another team member.

[04] Testing & Iteration

Testing with 5 users representative of the personas.

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

Results: positive evaluations (> +1.0 in several dimensions).

[04] Testing & Iteration

Testing with 5 users representative of the personas.

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

Results: positive evaluations (> +1.0 in several dimensions).

[04] Testing & Iteration

Testing with 5 users representative of the personas.

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

Results: positive evaluations (> +1.0 in several dimensions).

[Outcome]

Prototype validated with positive feedback on usability and attractiveness.
Identification of critical improvements for future iterations.
Prototype prepared for future GIS integration, validated with positive feedback on usability and attractiveness.

[Key Learnings]

Local context matters

Relevance increases when the application is anchored in the reality of the city.

Local context matters

Relevance increases when the application is anchored in the reality of the city.

Local context matters

Relevance increases when the application is anchored in the reality of the city.

Clarity is key

Simple and familiar terms facilitate adoption.

Clarity is key

Simple and familiar terms facilitate adoption.

Clarity is key

Simple and familiar terms facilitate adoption.

Community drives motivation

Digital community spaces increase long-term motivation.

Community drives motivation

Digital community spaces increase long-term motivation.

Community drives motivation

Digital community spaces increase long-term motivation.

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