About the Client
Rodion, the founder of a Singapore-based startup, is a runner and a healthy lifestyle enthusiast. His goal was to create an iOS app that would allow people to train together and support each other, even when living in different cities or countries.
Challenge
The main business goal was to develop an app that would motivate people to run more often by increasing social engagement. From the technical side, the challenge was to ensure highly accurate real-time tracking of two users, even in situations with weak GPS signals. Another task was to create engaging mechanics that would retain users and encourage them to return to training regularly.
Solution
For the tracking algorithm, the team first tested classical approaches such as GPS averaging. Then they implemented advanced data processing methods, including the Kalman filter, frequency analysis, and a combination of GPS with gyroscope and accelerometer data. As a result, the app achieved stable tracking even in dense urban environments or in cases of GPS signal loss.
To increase user engagement, several mechanics were designed. These included real-time competitions with other users, a “Run with a Shadow” mode where the opponent is the user’s own result from the previous day, challenges set by friends, and personal goal setting, as well as virtual races based on previously recorded workouts.
The development process relied heavily on joint field testing. Both the client and the team actively participated in runs to collect data for training the algorithms. Every idea was continuously validated in practice, and the development was guided by psychological insights into motivation to ensure the app would truly inspire people.
Results
Product: An open beta version of the iOS app with a unique tracking algorithm and rich competitive mechanics.
Technology Quality: Tracking accuracy comparable to leading global solutions.
Business Impact: The app was successfully showcased at Web Summit in Lisbon, attracted investor attention, and received positive feedback from early users.
What the Client Gained
What the Team Gained