This is how I think
UX Design
Step into the process - discover how each decision shaped the final experience
SmartStride
Supporting Equestrians in Learning and Improving Their Skills
Description
The StrideSmart App supports young horse riders by connecting their ‘STABLE TIME' with their 'HOME TIME', enabling them to learn, plan, and track personal progress.
Key Features
Setting Training Goals with the Trainer
Riders can collaboratively set goals with their trainer, plan steps and timelines, and establish measurable progress indicators.
Tracking Learning Progress
Tools for managing and monitoring learning progress, including stage overviews, note-taking, and reminders for significant milestones.
Creating Personalized Dressage Tests
Riders can design custom dressage tests, select exercise sequences, add music, and share them with their trainer
Reviewing Trainer Feedback Post-Lesson
Provides access to previous lesson content and trainer feedback, including homework tasks and recommendations for improvement.
Full User Flow Prototype Demo
UX Flow Insights
Exploring the Problem Space:
Initial Mind Map
Used to explore the problem space and map existing knowledge. This helped me to identify gaps, uncover opportunities, and guide the next steps in the design process.
At the early stage of the project, I created a mind map to make sense of the problem space. This helped me surface what was already known, organize initial assumptions, and highlight gaps in understanding. By visually mapping the landscape, I was able to spot opportunities for further research and design, laying the foundation for a user-centered approach.
What is dressage???
Dressage is a highly disciplined form of horse riding often described as “ballet on horseback”. It emphasizes precision, control, and harmony between rider and horse. Riders guide their horses through a series of choreographed movements, known as "tests", which are judged on accuracy, rhythm, and fluidity.
Field Observations:
Understanding Current Learning Practices
Before launching into surveys, I visited horse riding stables to observe how riding lessons are currently taught. This hands-on fieldwork helped me gain a deeper understanding of the real-world context, tools, and interactions involved in the learning process.
I identified several common methods used by instructors and riders:
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Verbal feedback during lessons
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Videos of personal riding sessions
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Watching others via platforms like Instagram and YouTube
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Physical practice (using riding aids)
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Hand-drawn sketches for planning and practicing
Market Research & Competitive Analysis
To understand the current landscape of equestrian learning tools, I began by mapping out a wide range of apps and websites related to horseback riding and equestrian training. This included both general riding services and more niche platforms.
After identifying overlapping and competing products, I conducted a deeper analysis of selected apps - especially those that incorporate physical products or tech-enhanced experiences. I then expanded my exploration to include products from adjacent fields such as food delivery, education, and fitness.
Positioning Maps:
Finding the Sweet Spot
To better understand the competitive landscape, I created two positioning maps based on key dimensions I identified during my research: visual vs. text-based learning, multidisciplinary vs. unidisciplinary content, collaborative vs. individual use, and intuitive vs. counterintuitive interfaces. By analyzing where existing apps fall along these axes, I was able to clearly identify an underserved space - an intuitive, visually rich, and collaborative learning experience focused on dressage for teens.
These insights helped define a distinct positioning for my product, guiding future design decisions and ensuring a differentiated user experience.
Survey Insights: Understanding Riders' Needs and Goals
I conducted a survey that received 70 responses from riders across various experience levels.
Target Audience
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The most relevant user group is young riders aged 10 to 18
Motivation
Most riders are driven by success-based goals
Feedback Preferences
Immediate post-lesson feedback from the trainer can be beneficial.
From Insights to Design Principles
Focus on the Teen Rider
Designing for the 10–18 age group means prioritizing intuitive navigation, clear yet professional visual elements, and language that aligns with the tone of instruction in the horse riding world, while still resonating with younger users immersed in a more serious riding environment.
Support Success-Oriented Learning
Since most riders are driven by achievement, the app should include clear progress indicators, goal-setting features, and rewards that reflect technical milestones - helping riders track and celebrate their growth.
Enable Timely, Actionable Feedback
To extend the value of post-lesson feedback, the app will provide tools for instructors to easily share comments, videos, or annotated visuals right after a session. This helps reinforce learning while it's still fresh.
From Insights to Design Principles
Dana
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"I want my daughter’s Dressage lessons to be enriching, building her confidence and skills both on and off the horse"
Ann
"Competition is tough, so I push myself in every session, focusing on each student and their success"
“My dream is to be a pro rider, learn everything about horses, own a stable, and win a Dressage Grand Prix competition!"
At 13 years old, Noa has been learning horse riding for 2 years.
Her entire social circle consists of friends from the stable, and her life revolves around horses.
Noa is digitally native and manages her entire social life through digital communication; she is also well-acquainted with desktop systems.
Motivation
Skill Improvement: Noa is an achiever. aims to enhance her riding skills, aspiring to compete at high.
Personal Connection: She adores Ann, her trainer, and seeks her full attention and guidance.
Challenges
Learning Skills and Progress: Noa is frustrated with her progress, believing she could learn and advance faster.
Cognitive challenge: Noa has ADHD, which makes it difficult for her to follow complex tasks and manage long processes..
Noa
From Persona to Priorities
Guided by Noa’s goals, needs, and daily routines, I prioritized the app’s core actions to ensure they align with what matters most to her as a young, competitive dressage rider.
Must-have functionalities that directly support learning and feedback
From Persona to Priorities
Receiving effective feedback
Acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for horse care and riding
Features that enhance motivation and long-term engagement
Getting immediate, relevant feedback
History of progress and products
Monitoring learning progress
Adding and adjusting goals
Continuous and supportive communication with the trainer
Understanding the process and what to expect
Personalized study based on individual interests
Additions that can improve the experience but are not essential for early product success.
Friendly knowledge tests
Selecting fields of interest
Voice-over control
Creating individual lesson plans
Joining the stable community
Library of exercises & templates
Adding music to personal exercises
Stable livestreams
Recording sessions and rides
Individual learning progress at a personal pace
Learn through familiar & accessible media
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
Designing the Details that Matter
Believing that true connection lies in the small details, I carefully crafted micro-interactions and visual elements to reflect the real-world experience of young dressage riders.
Contextual Visuals
Horse profile images are rectangular, mirroring the visual language seen around stables. This subtle detail helps users instantly recognize roles and reinforces real-world familiarity.
Meaningful Icons
I created custom icons that reflect common riding movements and arena layouts. These visuals make navigation more intuitive for riders who are already familiar with the sport.
Smart Test Builder
An intuitive, streamlined selection system allows users to easily create dressage tests, modeled after the structure and flow of real-world test planning.
Beyond the Arena
The app includes fun, teen-friendly content like DIY horse treat recipes and creative activities such as drawing challenges—designed to deepen emotional connection and extend engagement beyond riding sessions.
Tone & Language:
Speaking the User’s Language
To create a sense of authenticity and familiarity, I chose to adopt the tone and terminology used by real instructors and riders at horse stables.
Headings and interface copy mirror the language young riders hear during lessons-building trust and aligning the digital experience with the world they know. This decision reinforces credibility and strengthens the emotional connection between users and the app.
User Testing
