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Accessible Yoga
Overview
Accessible Yoga is a mobile app designed to provide people with limited access to yoga (fifty years old + and people with disabilities) an easy to use resource to learn and do yoga safely.
This was a capstone passion project created in a two week time frame.
My Role
Product Designer
Product Strategy, User Research,
Interaction, Visual design,
Prototyping & Testing, Pitching
Why Accessible Yoga?
People over fifty, and those with with varying physical and cognitive capabilities are looking for an easy to use resource that not only teaches them how to do yoga but provides safety measures, modifications, and additional education. Many yoga apps focus on fitness and weight loss. There is a lack of representation in mainstream yoga that may discourage people from trying yoga despite is health benefits. Accessible Yoga is a simple and inclusive app that focuses on providing curated content specific to the user’s goals and limitations.
Design for one, extend to many.
Validating the Problem
Research & Protoyping
We began our research by surveying and interviewing people 50+ to understand any physical or cognitive challenges they have experienced with aging to inform what features and content would be helpful to include in a yoga mobile product. We reviewed studies in the National Library of Medicine that have been conducted with yoga for our target age group. Yoga has been proven to be a feasible, well-tolerated, and safe activity for those of varying abilities.
Defining the MVP
Based on our research and a rapid sketch session, the key features were identified:
Set a goal. Users can set their intentions and goals (i.e. balance, strength)
Receive classes to take. Accessible Yoga provides tailored content to the user’s goals and limitations.
Deepen your understanding through educational tools. Accessible Yoga provides safety measures, modifications, and additional tools for user to utilize and learn about the content.
Track your progress. Users can see how often they are engaging with the app and what poses and activities they have reviewed and mastered.
Rapid Sketches - home page (initially)
Lo-fidelity - user fllow
User Task Flow - sign up and search for classes
Solutions and Results
Features & Functions
Accessible Yoga is a resource for people with limited access to yoga to learn and do yoga safely from the comfort of your home. We provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform that promotes health, wellness, and accessibility.
Tailored Content: Curate yoga routines specifically designed to address the needs and limitations of older adults and those with physical or cognitive challenges. This could include gentle movements, chair yoga exercises, and mindfulness practices tailored to their unique requirements.
Safety Measures: Prioritize user safety by providing clear instructions, warnings about potentially harmful poses, and recommendations for consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new exercise regimen.
Accessibility: Ensure that the app is user-friendly and accessible to individuals with varying physical and cognitive capabilities. This involves features such as customizable settings for font size, audio instructions, and simplified user interfaces.
Future Steps: Further research will be conducted to understand the needs of PWD - people with disabilities. Plans are to expand the current app to be a space for people 50 and older and people with disabilities. People with disabilities represent the world's largest minority group, with approximately 15% of individuals experiencing some type of disability.
With the global population aging and chronic disease increasing, the number of people transitioning into disability is expected to rise. Apps like Accessible Yoga are becoming increasingly more important and relevant.
