How I led the Virtusan app redesign

The Problem

Inconsistent experience, usability and interaction design problems

Virtusan is a science-based platform that supports the mental and physical health of its users through preventative and therapeutic solutions centered around 4 main pillars: Sleep, Stress, Productivity and Physical Health.

It offers features (formerly "Journeys," now "Practices") to improve your health that you can add to form a personal routine. This was unique to us.  But users didn't understand that due to navigation issues and lack of context. 

A failure to deliver a better solution could result in loss of current user base and a decline in user retention. This is an overview of my role in leading the UX design process.

The Process

Double diamond process for problem and solution validation

I was presented with the problems based on user feedback gathered from previous user interviews, and App Store and Play Store reviews.

Identifying the problems to solve

One of our earlier user research found that the users didn't really know what they were supposed to do with the app. The main problems were:

• confusing jargon: Journeys, Tools and Routines
• users didn't fully understand what they meant and how they could use them
• users felt overwhelmed by all the info and the steps they were supposed to take in order to complete a task
• poor usage: half of the users did not get any value from the app
• the screens were cluttered visually

1. Practices

Virtusan initially offered 38 practices and 10 mini apps (tools), but people were losing interest shortly after downloading.

Together with the product manager, we deep dived to find out what users were really using the app for and scaled down to 12 practices.

By reducing the number of core features down, we actually increased conversion and usage.

Also, I collaborated with a supporting UX designer on a new design system, which included better iconography and taxonomy.

2. Routines

The next step was to build a system that would allow users to easily customise their own routine based on their favourite practices. I facilitated a few brainstorming sessions with the team in order to explore potential solutions.

By sketching, I was able receive feedback early on in the process, and to confirm with team before investing too much time into high fidelity mock-ups.

We naturally narrowed down to a solution, so I moved on to high fidelity mockups.

3. Progress Tracking

In addition to revamping the routine system, I collaborated with the team on a progress tracking system that would encourage the users to stick to their routines.

The progress tab is an overview of how many practices a user completes on a daily and weekly basis.

Moving forward: next steps

Next, I addressed the rest of the usability and visual design issues.

I removed unnecessary steps from user flows and cleared up the visual hierarchy.

I also collaborated with a team of graphic designers who helped create the new illustrations and animations. We liked the idea of each pillar having its own colour, so we incorporated them in thumbnails and background images.