In my research for designing a healthcare related app, I became very interested in gamification. This is a trend where using game elements such as points, levels, and challenges are used to enhance the user experience. Basically, gamification is the use of game design techniques to non-game contexts.
The benefit of adding a gamification element to a healthcare app is that it can engage users longer, and it can attract and retain more users, as they are more inclined to use such apps if they feel like they are winning or achieving something. The other benefit is that the users themselves can have fun while exercising and using the app, which can lead to users becoming fans of the brand and feel more inclined to recommend it to their friends and family.
Motivation and willpower are hugely important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For an obvious example, if an obese person is not motivated to lose weight, the chances of them losing it are very slim. This is why a gamification element in an app such as this can be very effective.
Does this gamification exercise app need to exist?
I believe so. A lot of users find exercising to be a boring activity, and this can put off going to the gym or even worse, just stopping and not excercising alltogether. So why not create an app that can help users find the fun and motivation in exercising/losing weight etc.?
What user needs are you solving?
Users want to have fun while using this app. Fun can be in the form of challenges, levels, earning XP points. They also want motivation and need encouragement to stick to their regular exercise routine (or any other healthy lifestyle change for that matter). And maybe an update of their daily or weekly progress. They want to see themselves get fit.
What user goals are you helping to solve?
This is a hard question to answer. Achieving overall health and fitness goals is the primary goal of using this app. This app will help the user to increase their general daily fun and motivation. The user will also be able to see and track their daily progress and set their own goals.