Background

Observing the growing popularity of platforms like Whoop for recovery and Strava for cardio and endurance tracking, Ismail realised that no existing solution catered to the specific needs of boxers. While these platforms offered valuable insights, they fell short in capturing technical boxing data. His vision for BoxSmart solidified when he partnered with a company specialising in sensor technology capable of tracking punches, g-force, speed, and velocity.

As a product designer and a target user persona, Ismail felt uniquely equipped to create a solution tailored to the needs of boxers. Naming the app “BoxSmart” drew inspiration from a common phrase in boxing: “fight smarter, not harder.” This reflects the mental and emotional discipline required in the sport, where strategic thinking is as important as physical strength. BoxSmart is designed to give fighters that competitive edge, helping them train smarter and stay disciplined.

Challenge

BoxSmart aimed to address several challenges that traditional fitness apps and generic trackers failed to solve:

1. Technical Boxing Metrics: Generic trackers like Whoop and Strava don’t provide data on punch power, speed, or endurance—key metrics for boxers.

2. Usability in Training: Boxers need tools that are intuitive and don’t disrupt their flow during workouts or sparring.

3. Motivation and Retention: Combining personalized insights with motivational tools and community engagement was essential for sustained user engagement.

4. Launch Constraints: BoxSmart had to be launched as a minimum viable product (MVP) with a pre-order system, prioritising core features while building anticipation.
   
   

Solution

To overcome these challenges, Ismail designed BoxSmart with a focus on interaction design, precision tracking, and user engagement.

1. Design Process and Branding

• Branding: The app’s black and dark theme reflects the grit and intensity of boxing, creating an atmosphere of focus and discipline. The name “BoxSmart” reinforces the mental and strategic aspects of the sport.

• Landing Page and MVP Pre-Order: A landing page was created to capture early interest and enable pre-orders for the MVP. This approach not only validated the market but also generated excitement among the target audience.

2. User Experience (UX) Features

• Wireframes and User Journeys: Wireframes were designed with simplicity and usability in mind. The onboarding process guides users through setting up their sensor device and creating personalized training goals.

• Core Interaction Design: Inspired by existing tools like Boxing Timer Pro, the app features a central punch icon in the menu tab to start the boxing timer. This makes the timer instantly accessible and aligns with user expectations.

• Accessibility: Features like large buttons and intuitive navigation ensure the app can be used effortlessly during intense workouts.

3. Core Features

• Real-Time Punch Tracking: Using the partnered sensor technology, BoxSmart captures metrics such as punch speed, g-force, and velocity in real-time.

• Workout Library: Tailored routines for skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced help users improve technique, endurance, and power.

• User Profile: Each user has a profile displaying their progress, performance analytics, and milestones. This feature motivates users to stay consistent and track improvements.

• Social Hub: Inspired by Strava, this hub allows users to connect, share progress, and participate in challenges, fostering a sense of community and accountability.

Interaction Design

Interaction design played a critical role in ensuring the app’s usability and engagement:

• Centralised Timer Icon: The timer is the app’s primary feature, inspired by the simplicity of Boxing Timer Pro. A large punch icon on the main screen allows users to start and stop the timer with minimal effort.

• Gestures for Seamless Use: During training, users can navigate the app using simple gestures, ensuring they don’t lose focus on their workout.

• Clear Visual Feedback: Metrics are displayed using bold colours and icons, making it easy to interpret data at a glance.