Google has finally given its Fit app a redesign, bringing it more in line with almost all of the other apps that are currently on the market. Much like its main competitor, Apple, Google will now be focusing on closing rings, which are based on the health recommendations of a number of organizations, like the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization.
Rather than focusing on limited movements alone like steps, the new app plans to encourage users towards earning “move minutes” as well as helping to inspire them to try more intense workouts by earning “heart points.” Google realized that making their goals a little bit more abstract, it might be more encouraging, especially for people who might find something like walking difficult but can engage in a different activity to get them moving.
To fine-tune your fitness tracking, it of course helps to wear either an Apple watch or another fitness tracker, but Google Fit won’t require one. With the help of the AHA and WHO, Google has designed the app to bring users in line with recommendations made by those organizations. They are clear to point out that none of that is official medical advice, rather they’re simply guidelines.
The app will also be able to give recommendations based on an individual’s fitness level. By using the heart points, users can earn points for more vigorous exercise while also taking into account their low-impact movement. In terms of the UX design, the look of the new app is much cleaner than the old one. Completed goals also notably turn into an octagon, a feature that will be constant on fitness trackers as well. The idea behind Fit is not just to help people track their exercises, but to help gently push them towards their goals, without making them feel bad for slipping up.