Pathfinders
Pathfinders offers university students a unique productivity tool that goes beyond standard Pomodoro trackers. The platform optimizes productivity by promoting active habits like light physical activities and wellness reminders during breaks, while adding gamified rewards and a shared study space to create a socially engaging, health-conscious study experience.
Overview
Timeline
24 Hours
Toolkit
Figma, Miro Board
Role
In this project, I worked as the main product designer, leading the overall interface and interaction design. I focused on creating intuitive user flows and visually engaging layouts while integrating insights from usability testing and user research.
Outcome
The project was awarded Best Audience Award at the UXOpen Hackathon, and one developer reached out afterward to fully implement the design.
Process
The Big Problem
University students find themselves at their computer for extended periods of time without proper physical exercise.
Students often work for prolonged hours, and existing study apps, such as Pomodoro, help maintain productivity by encouraging scheduled breaks. However, these breaks are typically passive, offering little more than time away from the screen. To enhance the effectiveness of these breaks, how can we transform them into active intervals that engage users in light physical activity or cognitive challenges?
The Design Opportunity
How might we encourage university students to incorporate brief, accessible physical activity into their screen-heavy daily routines?
Our Solution
Design a new study experience that transforms breaks into active, engaging intervals by incorporating gamified elements. The goal is to motivate users by making breaks not only beneficial for relaxation but also an opportunity for light physical activity and interactive challenges.
Customizable Countdown Timer
A customizable countdown timer allows users to tailor their study sessions and focus intervals. This timer would enable students to adjust the length of both study time and break periods according to their preferences, helping them maintain focus and productivity.
Personalized Exercises
Allow users to choose the type of exercise for their active breaks, based on their personal preferences and needs. This tailored approach ensures that each break is designed to suit the user’s specific goals, whether it’s a short stretch, a quick workout, or a calming activity.
Interactive Active Breaks
Offer interactive active breaks where users can follow on-screen movements to stretch and engage their bodies. These guided exercises would synchronize with the study timer, providing users with an easy way to stay active and refreshed during breaks.
Social Features
Add a social feature where users can add friends, create study groups, and motivate each other to stay productive and take active breaks.
User Demographic
Our average user demographic is an 18-24 year old undergraduate student who uses a laptop or computer for more than 70% of their working time.
User Research
of interviewees reported experiencing some kind of physical pain or discomfort after prolonged hours of working in front of their laptop.
of interviewees reported using their phone during work breaks instead of taking active breaks involving physical activity.
of survey responses reported a willingness to use a social feature (e.g. social leaderboard, group work sessions) for their active study app.
Our user interviews and survey revealed
3 promising features to incorporate into our product. Features that (while available individually) have not yet been combined in a single study app.
Value Proposition
Pathfinders offers university students a unique productivity tool that goes beyond standard Pomodoro trackers. Our website optimizes productivity by promoting active habits like light physical activities and wellness reminders during breaks, while adding gamified rewards and a shared study space to create a socially engaging, health-conscious study experience.
Reflection and Takeaways
Balancing speed with thoughtful design is essential because rushing can overlook user needs, while overthinking can stall progress. Working within constraints sharpens focus and drives purposeful decisions.
This project was both a challenging and rewarding experience. We were tasked with conducting user research and creating a prototype within a tight 24-hour timeframe, which pushed us to think quickly and efficiently. Despite the pressure, it was a valuable learning experience and a great opportunity to network with peers.
We are thrilled to be collaborating with a talented student developer to transform this concept into a fully functional website. As we work together to bring our vision to life, we’re eager to see how the project evolves and the innovative features we can incorporate along the way.
