What's happened
WeWard has launched Walking Mode, a feature that locks social apps until users meet a walking goal. The feature aims to promote activity and reduce screen time. Venus Williams funds the project, with the app reporting 30 million users in 29 countries and a 25% increase in walking time on average.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Walking Mode represents a shift toward behavior-based app design, using nudges to reduce sedentary time while keeping users engaged.
- The feature aligns with broader industry trends toward mindful design and reducing attention capture by social apps.
- The collaboration with AI-assisted development demonstrates a growing role for AI in product cycles, potentially accelerating feature delivery while increasing the importance of human oversight.
- The model remains dependent on the incentives offered by the app (Wards) and may affect user demographics differently depending on access to rewards.
How we got here
WeWard, a Paris-based fitness app, has expanded internationally and introduced Walking Mode to help users focus on physical activity over screen time. The feature builds on the app’s existing reward system, which pays users in Wards for walking. The feature was developed with input from non-technical staff and AI-assisted coding.
Our analysis
Axios reports that WeWard plans to expand in 29 countries and has 30 million users; TechCrunch provides additional detail on Walking Mode’s implementation and its motivation to reduce screen time; Business Insider UK notes Venus Williams’ involvement and the feature’s aims to encourage activity.
Go deeper
- Will Walking Mode change how you use social apps when you walk?
- Could this model be adopted by other health and fitness apps?
- How does the user rewards system influence long-term engagement?
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