Improving the Challenge Experience
on the Wim Hof Method app
Problem
The WHM app’s confusing interface made it difficult for users to navigate challenges, control their experience, and track progress.
Outcome
A streamlined interface that improves navigation while introducing features for customization, completion, and progress tracking.
Intro
Wim Hof teaches the benefits of breathing exercises, cold therapy, and meditation. The Wim Hof Method (WHM) app guides users through these techniques with structured challenges. However, the Cold Shower Challenge had significant usability issues, leading to frustration and a low retention rate. This case study explores how we improved the user experience, navigation, and control within the challenge.
My role
I led the interface redesign and collaborated with Tanya Castro on research and usability testing for this practice project.
Problem
Confusing Timer Settings
Users often feel disoriented during sessions, making it hard to track exercise progression and maintain consistency.
Limited Control During Shower Experience
The app lacked pause, restart, and customization options, preventing users from adjusting their cold shower experience to their comfort levels.
Difficult Dashboard Navigation
Users struggled to access and log their symptoms, limiting their ability to track progress effectively.
Process
Research
We conducted competitor benchmarking on similar apps like Cold Therapy and Breathwrk to understand industry best practices.
• User Data easy to find
• Customizable settings at various stages
• Overwhelming amount of challenge settings
• Easy to track and save attempts within app as well as syncing capabilities
• Efficient user flow
• Captivating UI with easy learnability
• Offering of subscription services isn’t overdone
Ideation
Through brainstorming and rapid sketching, we identified key areas for enhancement, focusing on:
Improved accessibility with a refined user flow and a more intuitive color palette.
Enhanced timer controls, allowing users to pause, adjust, and restart their challenge.
Better tracking features, making symptom logging and progress monitoring easier.
Cold Shower Challenge User Flow
Based on our research, we mapped out a new user flow that integrates improved usability, clearer instructions, and greater flexibility in challenge settings.
Current Design Vs Proposed Solution
Our prototype introduced:
• Refined information architecture for intuitive navigation.
• Clear, action-driven copy for better user guidance.
• More control over the challenge experience, empowering users to personalize their sessions.
Usability Testing
We conducted usability testing via Maze to assess how users interacted with the redesigned challenge flow. Our testing script included: introduction & segmentation questions, scenario-based usability tasks, and wrap-up feedback.
Key Observations
87.5% of testers clicked the back button when viewing tips & instructions, indicating a need for better onboarding.
1 in 3 testers cut their shower duration short, highlighting a preference for more flexibility.
CTAs were clear and easy to find, improving task completion.
61% of users attempted to log symptoms, but none completed the process, suggesting further optimization is needed.
24% of users mentioned enjoying the new interface
