Flyve is a platform that makes it easy for runners of all levels to find partners, join group runs, and stay motivated.

Background:

Running can be a deeply social activity — or an incredibly isolating one. While group runs exist, it's often difficult to find people who match your pace, location, and schedule. Flyve solves this by creating a community-driven platform designed to connect runners of all levels — from beginners to marathoners — through spontaneous or scheduled runs.

The goal was to design a product that supports connection, consistency, and safety — while staying flexible and lightweight enough for casual users.

Goals:

Project Goals

• Design an intuitive experience that works for both beginners and seasoned runners

• Enable spontaneous and scheduled runs with minimal friction

• Build trust through thoughtful privacy and safety features

• Boost motivation and retention through meaningful social elements

Phase 1: Research & Discovery

The project began by exploring how runners find community, motivation, and accountability. Through user interviews and contextual research, I uncovered a wide range of needs. Some runners valued structured, recurring meetups, while others preferred the flexibility of spontaneous runs depending on how they felt that day.

I mapped these behaviors into runner personas and conducted a competitive audit of tools like Strava, Nike Run Club, and Meetup. While each had its strengths, they often lacked features supporting inclusivity, flexibility, and a sense of safety. These insights shaped a clear opportunity: to design a platform that balanced structure and spontaneity while lowering barriers to connection and participation.

Phase 2: Ideation & UX Design

Guided by the research, I designed user flows that could adapt to different running styles and comfort levels. The onboarding experience was personalized to suggest runs based on pace, goals, and availability, helping runners feel supported from the start.

To address safety concerns, I incorporated features such as masked location sharing and recommended public meeting points instead of real-time tracking. Profile design was key as well — profiles provided enough detail for compatibility without overwhelming users or requiring too much upfront information. Every screen was tested to ensure clarity, responsiveness, and minimal effort in finding and joining runs.

Phase 3: Usability Testing & Iteration

With a working prototype, I conducted usability tests to evaluate how well the experience served runners across the spectrum. Feedback highlighted the need for clearer cues around group run participation and easier filtering by pace and distance. Users appreciated the app’s safety features and often mentioned that it felt more inviting and less competitive than other platforms.

Based on this feedback, I refined key elements by simplifying the group run interface, improving “join” and “drop” actions, and reshaping social features like milestones and streaks to feel encouraging rather than gamified. These changes helped position Flyve not just as a running tool but as a space built on connection, inclusivity, and trust.

Audience

• Casual runners, marathoners, and those just starting out

• People seeking motivation, accountability, or community

• Runners who value safety, flexibility, and a non-competitive environment

• Key Insights:

  During research and testing, it became clear that simplicity was non-negotiable; runners didn’t want to spend time configuring filters or navigating complex flows. They needed a quick, low-effort way to find runs and connect with others. At the same time, flexibility mattered — some users preferred precise matching based on pace or distance, while others valued open-ended discovery. This meant the platform had to support both structured and casual approaches. Safety emerged as a central concern, particularly around location sharing. Features like masked locations and neutral meeting points helped address these anxieties and foster trust. Finally, motivation wasn’t just about fitness tracking — users responded strongly to social reinforcement. Milestones, run streaks, and community events gave them a reason to return, not just for exercise, but for connection and recognition.