Holly Yogi - App project

Problem & Insights:

1. For Yoga Teachers:
   • Visibility Struggles: New teachers face difficulty gaining visibility in the crowded yoga market.
   • Matching the Right Students: Teaching students who aren’t the right fit can lead to frustration for both parties. Teachers need students aligned with their style and philosophy.
2. For Yoga Students:
   • Confusion with Styles: Yoga has many styles (Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, etc.), and beginners often find it hard to understand the differences and what fits their needs.
   • Difficulty Finding Classes: With so many options available, it's tough for students to find the right class and teacher who suits their level, preferences, and goals.

Goals of Yoga Connect App:

• For Yoga Teachers:
  • Provide a platform to create a detailed profile and showcase their expertise.
  • Help them attract the right students based on teaching style and student needs.
  • Offer tools for scheduling, class management, and online teaching for remote students.
• For Yoga Students:
  • Offer an easy way to search and filter through yoga classes based on style, location, level, and other preferences.
  • Provide educational resources for beginners to understand yoga styles and benefits in simple, non-technical language.
  • Match students with teachers who fit their practice level and goals, improving the overall experience.

App Features:

1. Teacher Profiles:
   • Detailed profiles with biography, certifications, teaching philosophy, and styles taught.
   • Option to upload class schedules and videos of their teaching style.
   • Booking system integrated within the app.
   • Visibility analytics: track how many students are viewing and booking classes.
2. Student Matching:
   • Smart algorithm that matches students with teachers based on interests, experience level, and location.
   • Percentage-based match scores that show how compatible a student might be with a specific teacher or class.
   • Personalized recommendations based on goals (e.g., flexibility, mindfulness, fitness).
3. Educational Resources:
   • A beginner-friendly glossary of yoga terms explained in simple language.
   • Articles or videos on the benefits of various styles (Hatha, Vinyasa, etc.).
   • Class comparison guide: Helps students understand the differences in styles, and which would suit them best.
4. Search & Filter Functionality:
   • Filters for class type, duration, teacher experience, location, and availability.
   • A “Find My Yoga” feature that asks students a few questions about their goals and recommends styles/classes that would fit.
5. Online & Remote Classes:
   • Remote video streaming options for teachers to offer online classes directly through the app.
   • Scheduling feature to sync in-person or online classes with reminders for students.
6. User Experience:
   • Mobile-first design: Built for both iOS and Android, with an intuitive web version for accessibility.
   • A focus on simplicity and ease-of-use for both teachers and students.
   • Integration of payment systems for easy class booking.
7. Teacher & Student Feedback Loop:
   • After every class, students can leave reviews or feedback on their experience.
   • Teachers can receive constructive feedback and improve their profiles based on student preferences.

Development Process:

1. User Research:
   • Conducted interviews with 50 yoga teachers and 50 students to gather insights about pain points and market opportunities.
   • Collected data on what new teachers struggle with most (visibility, student matching) and what students find confusing or overwhelming (style selection, class availability).
2. User Journey Mapping:
   • Teacher Journey: From profile creation to finding the right students and managing classes online.
   • Student Journey: From understanding yoga basics to finding a compatible teacher and easily booking classes.
3. Opportunities & Challenges:
   • Opportunities: Large potential market of new teachers and students seeking clarity in their yoga journey.
   • Challenges: Ensuring the app remains simple despite offering a wide range of features (e.g., matching algorithm, filters).
4. Prototyping & Testing:
   • Designed wireframes and prototypes for key features, including profile setup, student-teacher matching, and educational tools.
   • Conducted user testing with teachers and students to refine user flows and improve overall experience.
5. Implementation & Iteration:
   • Developed the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for both iOS, Android, and web versions.
   • Ongoing user testing to fine-tune filters, match algorithms, and educational content.
   • Back-office development for teachers to manage profiles, schedules, and class bookings efficiently.

Outcome:

• The app allows yoga teachers to gain visibility and connect with the right students, giving them the tools to build a steady following and a successful yoga practice.
• Students benefit from personalized class recommendations and a clear understanding of which yoga styles and teachers suit their needs.
• The platform simplifies both class search and booking, fostering a seamless experience for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
• Remote class features and educational resources create additional value, allowing the app to serve as both a teaching and learning tool.

In short, the Yoga Connect App solves the twin challenges of visibility for teachers and clarity for students, creating a thriving yoga community with the right fit for everyone.

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