Therabody iOS Watch App
As a Swift Developer, I was brought in to design and build Therabody's first-ever iOS Watch app, created to work seamlessly alongside their existing smartphone app.
My Role
Lead iOS Developer and UX Designer
Duration
4 months
Tools
Paper and pencil, Adobe XD, Xcode
Purpose
Therabody wanted to give users an easy way to use their massage gun while tracking their recovery progress in real time. Doing this on a smartphone posed challenges, as it risked creating a clunky and awkward experience. By integrating the solution with a smartwatch, users could seamlessly monitor and visualize the remaining recovery time right from their wrist.
Objective
Our goal was to create an app that was intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to start, pause, and finish recovery sessions based on how they used the massage gun. We wanted to make sure the recovery process was smooth and enjoyable while also setting the stage for future updates and improvements to the app.
Background
In our fast-paced startup, I collaborated with a product director, product manager, and a team of developers focused on the smartphone app. As the Lead iOS Developer, I spent a lot of time working in Xcode with both Swift and Objective-C and explored SiriKit and Bluetooth development to ensure smooth connectivity between the massage gun and the smartwatch.
With no dedicated UX Designer on the team, I took on design responsibilities as well. I created wireframes from initial concepts to final designs and worked closely with the team to refine them, making sure we included features that best met user needs.
This experience gave me the opportunity to bridge design and development, highlighting the importance of thorough research and thoughtful design before jumping into code. It also deepened my understanding of coding limitations and how they can influence feature development.
Process
Our process from idea to design to development looked like this:
Product Development Phase:
Define Objectives: We started by clearly defining the goals and objectives for the new product. We asked questions like, “What problem are we solving?” and “What value will this bring to users?”
Conceptualization: We created a high-level concept of the product, outlining its main features and functions.
UX Design Phase:
Wireframing: We began with low-fidelity wireframes to map out the basic layout and functionality of the interface. These were refined and adjusted based on feedback from the team.
Prototyping: We built interactive prototypes to simulate the user experience, allowing us to test usability and gather feedback before moving to development.
iOS Development Phase:
Architecture Design: We set up the app’s architecture, choosing patterns like MVC or MVVM and planning how to connect the device with the Theragun.
Development Iterations: I started coding based on the finalized design and architecture, adding features step by step while testing and debugging as we went.
Integration: We incorporated third-party APIs, SiriKit, and Bluetooth functionality.
Testing and Quality Assurance: I ran thorough tests to check for functionality, performance, and security, addressing any bugs that came up.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): We involved stakeholders in UAT to make sure the app met their expectations.
Deployment: We got everything ready for release, including setting up app store listings, distribution certificates, and app configurations.
Launch: Finally, we submitted the app to the App Store for review and approval.
Impact
After numerous iterations and thorough design and development reviews, I wrapped up my work with the product director. We then uploaded the final version to Therabody's GitHub repository, kicking off the process of preparing it for its App Store release.
Years later, the app is still actively used and has gone through several updates and improvements. Thanks to advancements in WatchKit, we've been able to refine and optimize the app over time, enhancing both its features and user experience.
The impact of the watch app has been significant. It has provided users with an intuitive and seamless way to manage their recovery sessions, making the process more convenient and accessible. By enabling real-time tracking and control directly from the wrist, users have reported higher engagement and satisfaction with their recovery routines. This has not only helped users stay on track with their wellness goals but has also strengthened Therabody's reputation as an innovative leader in the wellness technology space. The app’s continued success underscores its value in empowering users to take control of their health in a practical and user-friendly way.
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.