D-run

Running Tracker App, based on NFTs

App (iOS, Android)

B2C

Track and Improve Your Running with NFT!

How can we inspire runners to maintain a consistent running routine?
Set to launch in beta at the Dong-A Seoul Marathon, D-Run aims to inspire and support healthy running communities. (Dong-A Ilbo)
As the product designer, I led every stage of development, from UX strategy and UI design to prototyping and quality assurance, overseeing the app’s entire development cycle.

Year

2023 (6 mon.)

Platform

App (iOS, Android)

Programs

Figma, Photoshop, Unity

Role

Product Designer, User Researcher

Problem

Web3 technologies like *M2E (Move-to-Earn), NFTs, and cryptocurrencies often pose challenges for users due to their complexity and the skepticism surrounding them.

One of the main hurdles in creating a digital rewards-based app was introducing the unfamiliar concept of NFTs to over 38,000 marathon participants. Additionally, we faced the task of addressing the public's negative perception of cryptocurrencies while demonstrating their value in promoting an active lifestyle.
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* M2E?
M2E (Move-to-Earn) rewards you with coins or tokens for physical activities like walking or running, encouraging you to stay active.

Challenge

How can we make the concept of M2E accessible to everyone, and use it to build a health-focused running community?

Research

To address the challenges of integrating NFTs into a running app, I conducted desk research and engaged with NFT communities for three months. I also performed user interviews with both marathon participants and NFT buyers to better understand their needs and pain points.

Insights

Difficulty in Sustaining Routine

Many runners practice alone, making it challenging to stay consistent. While participants start training with marathon goals in mind, maintaining their routine often becomes difficult over time.

Complexity

Many existing NFT applications are built with overly complex designs and rely on English terminology, creating barriers for Korean users to fully understand their functionality.

Lack of accuracy

Runners expressed dissatisfaction with the accuracy of existing tracking systems, which are crucial for calculating rewards in an NFT-based app.

Solution

Simplified information and enhanced motivation features to build a well-informed and active running community around M2E.

Ideation

Based on the research, I proceeded with ideation. Considering the complexity of NFT services, I focused on creating a simple UX and approachable UX writing.

The main features center on tracking steps, monitoring running progress, and earning reward through these activities. The design aims to offer runners easy access to reward mining and NFTs while training for a marathon.

Questions in the analytics graph

Level & Experience System

Runners earn reward based on running distance and completed courses. Leveling up increases their ability to earn in-app coins (M2E tokens) and boosts their NFT stats (distance, heart, stamina).

Browser window with emoticon likes and stars around

Motivation System

Daily missions and ranking systems encourage users to stay engaged, offering rewards like coins, special prizes, and recognition.

Loading the next page

Wallet System

Runners can connect a wallet to transfer in-app coins into actual cryptocurrency.

Sending messages from one place to another

Social Features

Social sharing promotes interaction and competition, while limited-time events drive continuous participation with rewards.

Earth globe with many geolocation icons

Real-world Integration

GPS-based marathons allow users to explore real-world routes, and syncing with events like the Seoul Marathon offers training-related benefits.

Design

Based on the initial ideas, I conducted prototype testing using both low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframes before starting the design process.

Entry Mode

This beginner-friendly mode is designed for users unfamiliar with NFTs. Each day, users can earn up to three rewards (coins) based on their step count, without needing to own NFTs.

Running Mode

Designed for NFT holders, this mode tracks running activity and rewards users based on their runs. To earn rewards, users must log their runs using NFTs. The efficiency of coin collection improves with the NFT's level and attributes (heart, distance, stamina).

Marathon Mode

Tailored for marathon training, this mode allows users to track their performance or time over specific distances to help them prepare for upcoming races.

Record

Displays running stats logged through the app, including earned rewards. Runners can track their performance and progress.

Ranking

Shows rankings based on metrics like step count and rewards. Runners can compare their records with others for added motivation.

Wallet

Connects runners' coin wallets with a simple one-click setup. Runners can easily link their wallets and view transaction history.

Inventory

For NFT holders, this screen shows their NFT holdings and a summary of NFTs used in running activities.

NFT Efficiency

Shows how efficiently runners’ NFTs earn rewards. As users run, NFT attributes (heart, distance, stamina) deplete. Hearts and distance reset daily, while stamina and experience for leveling up can be purchased with coins. Higher NFT levels improve reward efficiency.

Design System

⦁  Developed a design system with common components for efficiency.
⦁  Implemented naming conventions to streamline team communication.
⦁  Achieved quick, consistent designs with a standardized system.

Impact

Launch at the Seoul Marathon

Successfully launched the app at an international marathon event.

Beta Test with 15K+ Users

Over 15,000 users participated in the beta test, providing positive feedback that enabled progression to the next phase.

Quotes

This app suits runners perfectly. It’s clean, easy to use, and practical.

It's the most useful M2E app I’ve seen so far.

Takeaway

As a product designer, I managed the entire process from planning to maintenance over five months, gaining valuable insights into team communication and workflow.

Team Communication

Working closely with team members through planning, design, development, QA, and launch highlighted the importance of effective communication. I learned to use tools like Notion, Jira, and Confluence for documentation and backlog management.

Expanded Design Process

Actively participating in ideation beyond UX/UI design deepened my user understanding. Engaging with the NFT community as a persona was particularly insightful.

User Feedback

During the beta test, I realized the importance of user feedback. Since I could only gather this feedback at the end of the maintenance period, I plan to integrate tracking features earlier in future projects to ensure better usability insights.

More projects +

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