The above screens show my first time experience using FitStar, a fitness app for iOS.
The good bits:
- One of the better parts of this experience is the optional Fit Test that is offered after completing the sign up process. It’s a playthrough mechanism that acclimates the user to the normal video format of the app’s workouts through a compressed, introductory routine. It has a clear structure and timer that sets the user’s expectations about time commitment. Finally, it is optional; the user is not forced to participate.
- The “Personalize FitStar” mini-Wizard that displays after the intro tour is lightweight and interactive, and the information being requested is concise. If this flow was followed immediately by the Fit Test or app content, it would be clearer how this information is used to produce recommended workout routines.
- The app allows the user to skip having to set up their full profile, so that they can get right into their workout.
- The user may skip the intro tour by pressing the “Get Started” button.
To be improved:
- The intro tour is loaded with video content that autoplays on each panel. At times it caused jittering when swiping between panels, and conflicted with the ability to read the overlaying copy. While the ability to control sound is helpful, it was unclear how critical it is for the starting experience (my phone had the sound muted by default).
- The text in the intro tour is mostly marketing-speak; there’s nothing really for the user to retain from it that couldn’t be summarized in one slide.
- The promotions for membership (40% off FitStar Premium) were premature; the banner and marketing screens are shown to users who haven’t even had a chance to play around with the core app content.
- It’s unfortunate that the user is required to sign up before they can do the Fit Test. There would have been a much more seamless transition if the “Personalize FitStar” screens segued into the Fit Test sample. Consider that a user might have downloaded this app right before they wanted to do a workout, and, if they’re time-constrained, that means their first impression of the app is of filling out forms.