Designing a Fitness AI Coach Web Application (Evolve AI) for Personalized User Experience
A User-Centered Design Study on Personalization, Usability, and AI Recommendation in Health Technology
Prof. Nirav Kumar Mehta, Meenakshi Kanwar
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Parul Institute of Technology, Parul University, Gujarat, India Student of Computer Science and Engineering, Parul Institute of Engineering and Technology, Parul University, Gujarat, India
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of digital fitness applications has not been matched by a corresponding improvement in user retention or genuine personalization. Most fitness platforms offer static, one-size-fits-all workout plans that fail to account for individual goals, physical limitations, fitness levels, and behavioral patterns — resulting in high early abandonment rates. This research paper presents a comprehensive User-Centered Design (UCD) study conducted during the development of Evolve AI, an AI-powered fitness coaching web application designed to address this gap.
The methodology encompasses structured user research (online survey: n=87; semi-structured interviews: n=12), competitive analysis of four major fitness platforms, user persona development, iterative wireframing, high-fidelity UI design using Figma, and two-round usability testing (n=24 participants). Special attention is given to the design of the AI recommendation user experience — specifically, how the interface communicates personalized workout suggestions in a transparent and trustworthy manner without technical complexity.
Results demonstrate that targeted, evidence-based design improvements — specifically to the onboarding flow, AI recommendation interface, progress visualization, and navigation structure — resulted in a 23.3-point improvement in System Usability Scale (SUS) scores (from 68.4 to 84.7), a 34% increase in perceived personalization, and a 41% increase in reported intent to continue using the application. The paper further discusses design trade-offs, ethical considerations in AI-based health recommendations, real-world implementation challenges, and future directions including wearable integration, conversational AI coaching, and nutrition planning modules.
Keywords: UI/UX Design, Fitness Application, Evolve AI, Personalization, User-Centered Design, Figma, Usability Testing, AI Recommendation, Human-Computer Interaction, Health Technology, Design Thinking
