Background

Finding motivation and effective methods to practice cyclocross drills can be tough. The sport demands a unique skill set and often lacks dedicated training facilities, making it challenging to stay motivated and improve.

Overview

CX Drills is a prototype I created to help cyclocross athletes and coaches optimize training routines. By prioritizing clear presentation and effective organization of cycling drills, I aimed to create an intuitive and efficient virtual training platform.

User Research

To understand my users I joined local cyclocross training sessions, sat in on a boot camp, and listened intently to the insights of coaches and athletes. A consistent message resonated, this is supposed to be fun. However, a clear training structure proved vital for achieving optimal fitness and riding skills, but many riders felt lost creating workouts.

Defining Solutions

By synthesizing research findings, a clear problem emerged: Cyclocross riders are struggling to discover effective workout routines, hindering their progress in skill development and overall fitness. To address this challenge effectively, I created user personas and empathy maps for athletes, coaches, and bike brands.

Wireframing & Brainstorming

To bridge the gap between fun and focused training, I embarked on a design thinking process. By combining user insights with the core app concept, I generated a range of potential solutions. Through iterative sketching and prototyping, I explored various approaches to deliver structured, enjoyable workouts that catered to riders of all levels.

High Fidelity Prototypes

To visualize the CX Drills experience, I crafted interactive prototypes. By carefully considering color palette, imagery, and layout, I aimed to create a visually engaging and intuitive interface. A bold color scheme reflecting the energy of cyclocross was paired with dynamic graphics to capture the sport's essence. The layout prioritized clear navigation and easy access to workout information, ensuring a seamless user experience. Through this iterative process, I refined the app's design, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Test Rides

Pre-riding the course is an essential part of cyclocross racing, and so is testing a design before presenting to stakeholders. To ensure CX Drills met the needs of its users, I conducted thorough usability tests. By observing users interact with the prototype, I gained valuable insights into their behavior, preferences, and pain points.

Results

By prioritizing user needs and iteratively testing prototypes, I created a product that enhances the cyclocross training experience. Key outcomes include an intuitive interface, engaging workout content, and a strong foundation for future development and partnerships with local teams and bike brands.

Design System

To ensure design consistency and efficiency, I developed a comprehensive design system. This included guidelines for typography, color palette, and reusable components, providing a foundation for the development team to maintain a cohesive look and feel across the CX Drills app.