Sandlot Fit Mobile
Hi there! I'm glad you're here. Sandlot Fit is where I "cut my teeth," so to speak, in User Experience Research and User Interface Design. Sandlot is a mobile app developed for creating strong, better connected communities through outdoor fitness meet-ups.
As you scroll, please note that while this page isn't a full case study, it's an overview of some of my UX / UI contributions at Sandlot Fit. I'm proud of what I've been able to contribute and grateful for the opportunity to have joined a remarkable team of high achievers!
Improved Communication
Chat Designators๐ฌ
Originally, the messages listed on a users chat screen did not help the user know whether a chat is that of a Fistbump (event), group, or friend. In order to improve this, I worked with the dev team to make a few adjustments:
Added labels for Group and Fistbump chats. This allowed users to more easily recognize what kind of message they had received by seeing the green text label.
The number of members was added as a dynamic element that would update each group and Fistbump as they grew.
RSVP
Part of my work with Sandlot Fit Involved overseeing user reports come through via Instabug. Users could report bugs or just send in general comments. Many users started reporting that the RSVP feature wasn't working. They would find or get invited to a Fistbump (event), tap Y/N/M, and their response would then be highlighted. While the feature was working properly, it wasn't confirming the users response. I brought this to the attention of our Product Manager and got to work on improving this experience.
Below you'll see the prototype I made that was approved and implemented. It was a simple addition to add a pop-up message confirming the users response and the results were great! User reports that the RSVP feature wasn't working came to a halt. Sometimes, a little extra communication is all you need.
User Experience Optimizations
User Notifications ๐
There were two changes I initiated on the notifications screen to optimize the user experience:
The font weight was adjusted for eye relief. Notifications were split into two categories: Fistbump (events) and Social. By changing the font weight users are able to locate individual notifications with more ease.
A pop-up message was added for feedback. Most users have a mental model that when they make changes to notifications or anything related to settings they will receive a confirmation message. This small detail allowed users to feel confident their changes were saved.
Adding Challenges to Events
In the Sandlot app we had a library of both workouts and challenges. At first, users could only add workouts and challenges to a new Fistbump (event). This limited their abilities which didn't fall in line with our mission to empower user. To Improve this experience, I worked with the dev team to:
Change the copy from "Do This With Friends" to "Create New Fistbump" so the action was communicated more clearly
Add a new option to "Add to Existing Fistbump" for the users who have recurring events and want to change the workouts they use on an ongoing basis. After all, variety Is the spice of life. ๐ถ๏ธ
Finding Friends ๐
Originally, when users would go to their profile or social tab to view their list of friends, they had to scroll through all of their friends just to find the specific person they were looking for. To improve this experience, I worked with our dev team to add a search bar so that our social butterflies could find any of their friends with greater ease.
User Interface Optimizations
Workout Library Carousel
The workouts tab of the Sandlot Fit app housed different workouts and challenges that any user could access for their Fistbumps (events & meetups). At the bottom of the screen is a library that lists all the categories of workouts available. Initially, the library used flat icons and didn't indicate to users how many workouts they could expect to see within that category.
I worked with our community and brand partners to secure exhilarating images to replace the flat icons. I also worked with our dev team to provide users with more information in the form of the number of workouts they could expect to see within the category they select.
No Spots Left
When we introduced the concept of limiting Fistbump (event) sign ups, the dev team created a "Spots fully booked" message where users would typically RSVP.
To elevate this experience, I wrote copy and mocked up two screens for the dev team to implement. The purpose for this was to keep screens more consistent and to communicate more clearly with users.
Verification Badges โ
Sandlot's goal is to empower trainers and group leaders around the globe. In order to do so, we needed a way to set this category of users apart and give them a platform to build strong, active communities. When looking at other industry leaders, we noticed a common theme: that coveted check mark.
Sandlot Trainer
I mocked up several designs for feedback and ultimately chose this design with the Sandlot "Fistbump" logo. When a user visits a trainers profile, they will see the Fistbump logo next to the trainer's handle. The user can then tap on the logo and a pop-up message appears to explain that it's a badge and the trainer's credentials have been verified by Sandlot.
Ruck Club Leader
One of Sandlot's Co-Founder is the CEO and Owner of GORUCK. GORUCK builds heavy duty workout gear and has created a network of over 500 ruck clubs globally. Each club has a Leader who plays a pivotal role in their community. To reflect this, I mocked up several variations of a RCL badge. This badge functions similarly to the Sandlot Trainer badge. It allows users to stand out based on their verification and explains how they empower other Sandlot users.
Microcopy Adjustments
Simplifying Prompts
The Sandlot Fit app allows users to create Fistbumps (events and meetups) for their communities to attend. Part of the creation process allows users to invite friends and groups as well as adding co-leaders and host groups.
Since we live in a world of fragmented attention, I shorted the copy on the invitation prompts. This gives the users some eye relief and allows them to make decisions faster.
When No Results Are Present
When users open the Sandlot Fit app, they are taken to a map that shows them Fistbumps (events or meetups) in their area. Later on, our dev team added a "List View" to accommodate user requests.
We quickly realized, that when there were no Fistbumps in a user's area, the List View screen was empty, creating a dull and uninspiring experience.
I wrote copy to better communicate with users how they could rectify this scenario: just zoom out and see what you find!