Yoga in the Park
With gyms and studios worldwide off limits, working out at home in the time of COVID-19 is difficult for many. Most of the population doesn’t have much space to move around and/or doesn’t feel motivated enough to work out in their homes. There is also the fear of being in close quarters with other people. As parks reopen, a necessity for more structured exercise grows and also for activities that help cope with anxiety during trying times. Instructors, yoga practitioners, and parks need to find a way to continue their practice in a safe and convenient way.
UX Challenges
How do we organize a yoga class outdoors that still provides a great experience for participants?
Yoga classes are typically held indoors where sound and environment can be controlled. Figuring out how to provide a good experience at a local park will have its challenges. Yoga spaces need to be spread out but still allow participants to see and hear the instructor well. Also ensuring the land is flat, dry, and large enough.
How to provide a safe place for people to practice yoga, be among other people, and decrease stress during a global pandemic?
We want to bring people together but make sure we are following CDC guidelines and keeping people safe. Things to consider are setting spaces 6 feet apart, staggering check in times to avoid crowds, sanitizing any shared equipment, touchless check in, enforcing masks, and setting a limit to the number of guests.
How to make these yoga classes accessible to everyone?
Everyone has been impacted by the pandemic and everyone should get the opportunity to practice yoga. Many people want to exercise, socialize safely, and get out of the house. So the goal is to open the door to everyone. Can we work with parks all over the Southern California area so people can attend yoga classes in their very own neighborhood?
Process
Research
We began the process by doing some initial research which involved googling current yoga practices due to the pandemic and interviewing stakeholders (yoga instructors, yoga participants, and event coordinators).
“So much of what I love about yoga is teaching in response to the energy I feel from my students from the moment I walk into the studio. Now, It's all up to me to bring that to them because I have to physically demonstrate each posture while providing verbal cues... Now, I have no idea what my students need from me, which is hard.”
— Tess, Yoga Instructor
“I miss being able to go to the yoga studio. I have tried taking classes on YouTube, but my apartment is small and I feel cramped”
— Janis, Yogi
With this information we created personas, stakeholder maps, user journeys, and a service blueprint.
UX Solutions
Digital integration
CRM:
Create a CRM system to help manage event coordinators, yoga instructors, and finding participating parks.
Mobile App and Website:
Develop a mobile app to help participants find information, signup for classes, seamless check-in, donate, and more.
Physical Integration
Locate participating parks, yoga instructors, and staff.
View Final Case Study
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UCLA EXTENSION COURSE
Project Manager - Sarah Walsh
UX Designers - Pedro, Melody, Julia, & Eunice
Tools Used
Wireframes - Figma
Illustration - Adobe Illustrator