Our designers’ team enjoy working on self-development tasks that improve their expertise, widen their understanding of design technologies, provide extra experience and deepen knowledge of how to use design tools creatively. 

Healthy Freelancer app is a tribute to an idea of generating a clear, user-friendly and intuitive app design for individuals that work from home and often neglect or simply forget about regular exercising and healthy eating. 

The team’s task for this self-development project was:

• to conduct a market research to see what similar app solutions exist; 
• how popular they currently are; 
• what features they provide;
• create a new product that offers an improved user experience and a fresh look at an old problem.

During the research stage, we found out that fitness apps for freelancers represent solutions that are either too complicated or too simple. In the first case, a user often has to deal with a tricky app structure, lots of text explanations and videos that are hard to adjust to a home environment, or needs to be a profound athlete or be well-prepared for physical exercising. And in the second case, apps provide a too primitive and limited experience and lack programs that could develop a strong motivation for a healthy lifestyle. 

To better understand our target audience, we used an empathy map and brainstormed about a typical freelancer’s likes and dislikes, favorite things and fears.  

Our goal for Healthy Freelancer was to reach the golden mean, where a user won’t have to study tons of text and video instructions (because a freelancer is busy with work, so they don’t have time to study the application). Instead, the interface design and fitness programs will perfectly match a freelancer’s busy work schedule, won’t take much time to complete, and be intuitive and motivational at the same time.

Healthy Freelancer Features

1. Customized Fitness Programs:

Personalized workout programs targeting common health issues faced by freelancers. Adaptive fitness routines aligned with daily habits to build better physical and emotional health.

2. Character Guide - Mike Maxter:

Introduction of a charismatic character, Mike Maxter, as a smart male programmer guide. Character designed to reflect the typical age range and lifestyle of a freelancer, fostering relatability.

3. Two Interaction Modes:

• Standard Mode:

Receive notifications for customized workout programs based on your schedule.

• Manual Mode:

Choose specific activities to start, providing flexibility in workout preferences.

4. Intuitive App Design:

Flat design with clear and bright colors for easy information processing. Illustrations and animations enhance user engagement and create a dynamic interface. Color coding for quick recognition and association with specific activities (e.g., green for healthy food, red for energetic exercises).

5. Progress Tracking and Analytics:

Comprehensive tracking of health data, including water intake, exercise completion, and active time. Daily, weekly, and monthly stats to monitor progress and encourage consistency. Gamification elements for added motivation, encouraging users to stay active and track improvements.