The Problem on the Run
Runners Need More Than Rest
Many runners push through pain, not realizing it might be an early injury. There weren’t good tools to help them catch it early — especially ones they could trust.
As a runner, I’ve heard this too often: “It’s just a little pain — I’ll shake it off.” But the truth is, most runners lack the right support when something feels off. They often turn to Google, forums, or guesswork. Through early exploration, I found a big gap: no tools that combine injury education, personalized recovery, and easy-to-use features in one place. Recovery Pal! was born from that need.
Listening to the Community
Interviews that Changed My Mind
I assumed runners just wanted exercise tips. But they needed way more: a guide for recovery, support, and trust.
I started by interviewing 6 runners and sending out surveys. I expected to hear they wanted foam rolling or stretching advice. But most runners shared they had trouble identifying injuries in the first place. They didn’t want to wait for doctor visits or pay for physical therapy if they didn’t have to. They wanted something that “knows what I’m going through.” That’s where the AI detection idea came from.
From this, I created personas like Sarah and Mark — both busy, both wanting practical, at-home solutions.
From Ideas to Usability Tests
Early designs helped shape the core experience. Testing revealed where I needed to rethink things.
I created low-fi wireframes to map out key flows: injury detection, rehab plans, and the exercise library. The first round of testing was a remote unmoderated session with 5 runners.
Prototypes Meet Reality
They loved the personalized plans and found the detection tool easy to use. But they got lost in the exercise library — “I don’t know where to start,” one said. This was the moment I knew I had to simplify the experience.
Designing with Real Feedback
Making It Smoother and Smarter
Post-testing, I redesigned the exercise flow, cleaned up the UI, and made accessibility a key focus.
With real feedback in hand, I updated the mockups: better categories, clearer buttons, and an updated AI input form. I also worked on accessibility—screen reader support, color contrast, and readable text. I wanted every runner to feel like this app was built for them.
The high-fi version came to life with a warm color palette, soft illustrations, and calm typography — inspired by healing spaces and PT clinics.
A Recovery App that Actually Helps
What I Delivered & What I Learned
The final design isn’t just functional — it’s thoughtful. The kind of tool I’d want to use myself.
Recovery Pal! became more than just an app — it became a support system. The final product offers AI-driven diagnosis, curated rehab routines, and a community forum to connect runners.
I learned the power of listening. Of staying open to change. And of designing not just for “users,” but for people who are tired, stressed, in pain — and just want to feel strong again.
