Therabody iOS Watch App
Before the onset of the pandemic, I was brought on board to create and build Therabody's inaugural iOS Watch application, designed to complement its existing Therabody smartphone app.
My Role
Lead iOS Developer and UX Designer
Duration
4 months
Tools
Paper and pencil, Adobe XD, Xcode
Purpose
As a component of its product lineup, Therabody aimed to offer users a convenient way to both use their massage gun and simultaneously monitor their recovery progress in real-time. Achieving this on a smartphone proved challenging due to the potential for a cumbersome and challenging user experience. However, by integrating their solution with a smartwatch, users could effortlessly track and visualize the remaining duration of their recovery process.
Objective
Our goal was to develop an intuitive and user-friendly application that enabled users to easily initiate, pause, and finish new recovery sessions, based on their specific use of the massage gun. Our aim was to establish a smooth and satisfying recovery experience while also laying the groundwork for future enhancements and optimizations within the application.
Background
As a dynamic and nimble startup, I initially collaborated with a product director, product manager, and a group of developers who specialized in our phone application. My role was as the Lead iOS Developer, where I worked extensively with Xcode in both Swift and Objective C. Additionally, I delved into SiriKit and Bluetooth development to ensure seamless connectivity between the massage gun and the smartwatch.
Given our lean startup environment, we lacked a dedicated UX Designer to focus on optimizing and user-centric design. Consequently, I took on the dual role of a designer, guiding the process from low-fidelity to high-fidelity wireframes. I closely collaborated with the team to refine these wireframes, striving to incorporate the best possible features.
This unique experience allowed me to establish a direct connection between design and code, reinforcing the importance of robust research and design before diving into coding. It also deepened my understanding of coding constraints, which played a pivotal role in shaping the development of specific features.
Process
Our process from ideation to design to development looked like the following:
Product Development Idea:
Define Objectives: We clearly defined the goals and objectives for the new product. “What problem will it solve?” “What value will it provide to users?”
Conceptualization: We developed a high-level concept for the product, outlining its core features and functionalities.
UX Design Work:
Wireframing: We developed low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic layout and functionality of the user interface. We iterated on these wireframes based on feedback from internal stakeholders.
Prototyping: We built interactive prototypes to simulate the user experience. This helps in testing usability and gathering user feedback before development begins.
iOS Development Work:
Architecture Design: We defined the app's architecture, including the choice of architectural patterns (e.g., MVC, MVVM) and how to connect the device to the Theragun.
Development Iterations: From there, I began coding based on the finalized design and architecture. We implemented features incrementally, testing and debugging as well.
Integration: We integrated necessary third-party APIs, SiriKit, and bluetooth capabilities.
Testing and Quality Assurance: I thoroughly tested the app for functionality, performance, and security. Address any bugs or issues that arise.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): We involved stakeholders in UAT to ensure that the app meets their expectations.
Deployment: We prepared the app for release, including creating app store listings, generating distribution certificates, and configuring app settings.
Launch: We submitted the app to the App Store for review and approval.
Impact
Following numerous iterations, comprehensive design and development reviews, I concluded my collaboration with the product director. We then proceeded to upload the finalized work to Therabody's GitHub repository, marking the beginning of the finalization and preparation process for its release on the App Store.
Several years have passed since that initial launch, and this application continues to be actively utilized. Over time, it has undergone further refinements and optimizations, leveraging the advancements made by WatchKit to enhance its offerings and user experience.
Conclusion
This project presented a remarkable set of challenges, but it was equally rewarding. It pushed the boundaries of my development skills, particularly in the domains of Bluetooth and SiriKit. Simultaneously, it afforded me the opportunity to acquire fresh skills as I ventured into the world of UX design, honing my abilities in crafting user-centric experiences.
I take great pride in having contributed to the creation of a product that now exists in the real world, making a tangible difference for everyday users. As a B2C (business-to-consumer) offering, it's incredibly fulfilling to know that this product enhances the lives of its users, and it stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work poured into its development and design.