JoggFit: Run and win real medals!

JoggFit changes the way you participate in running challenges by combining virtual runs with real rewards.

Based on the growing trend of virtual sports competitions, we have created a platform that combines digital activity tracking with real, physical rewards. Short running challenges with real medals motivate users to be active.

With JogFit, you can compete anywhere, anytime, and upon completing the challenge, you will receive a physical medal sent straight to your home. The application automatically collects data about your activities, so you can focus only on running.

And as you cover the next kilometres, you discover virtual postcards with interesting facts about the route, which makes your running even more enjoyable and motivates you to continue your activity.

Who is the client?

Trofea.pl is a Polish manufacturer of sports medals and trophies with many years of experience in providing prizes for sports events. The company, observing the changing market and the trend of virtual competitions, decided to expand its activities by organising virtual runs.

The company was looking for a solution that:

• Breaks the barrier between the digital world and physical products
• Creates a new revenue channel by organising virtual runs
• Reaches people who prefer individual training instead of mass events
• Builds a community of runners around the brand

Project goals

• Running with a physical reward – Creating an application where completing a virtual challenge results in receiving a real medal
• Automatic Tracking – Implement integration with popular fitness platforms to effortlessly monitor user activity
• Immersive experience – Designed features such as an interactive map with checkpoints and virtual postcards for increased engagement
• Paid challenges – Developing a business model for organising paid virtual runs
• Simplicity and convenience – Creating an intuitive interface that encourages regular use of the application

Challenges

Collecting activity from various platforms

We had to create a system that could collect and process data from various sources: Apple Health, Google Health and Strava.

The challenge was adapting to the change from Google Fit to Google Health that occurred during the project. The new platform was in beta at the time and offered limited features.

The user was to receive a uniform experience regardless of the device he or she uses.

Processing huge amounts of data

The application had to process hundreds of thousands of user-generated activity records.

Each activity included detailed information about the route, speed, pace, calories burned, and more.

The challenge was to store this data in a way that could be quickly processed and analysed.

Extensive activity validation

To ensure fairness in challenges, the system had to recognise and classify activity types.

We had to create an algorithm that would distinguish running from cycling or walking, based on parameters such as speed and distance.

This was especially difficult with Google Health, which didn’t provide as detailed data as Apple Health.

Standing out in the fitness app market

The fitness app market is extremely saturated, which has posed a marketing challenge.

We had to create a unique value proposition that would attract users tired of standard activity tracking apps.

Our solution

Technologies

• Frontend (mobile): React Native with Expo – provided fast development and native experience on iOS and Android
• Backend: NestJS – modular backend architecture based on REST API, fully built in TypeScript
• Authorisation: Auth0 – ready solution for user management
• Database: PostgreSQL – using JSONB type for flexible data storage
• Hosting and infrastructure: DigitalOcean (App Platform, Managed Database, Redis, Spaces)
• CI/CD: GitHub Actions – for automatically building, testing and deploying applications

Key Features

Integration with fitness platforms

JogFit integrates with popular platforms:

• Automatically downloads data from Apple Health
• Integration with Google Health, despite its beta limitations
• Possibility to connect to a Strava account for enthusiasts of this platform
• A unified data model enabling consistent processing of activity from various sources

Virtual runs with real prizes

The platform offers a unique combination of the digital and physical world:

• A variety of running challenges available in the app
• Possibility to join paid and free runs
• Automatically track your challenge progress
• Physical medal sent after completing the challenge

Interactive map with checkpoints

Increases participant engagement:

• Visualisation of the running route in the application
• Checkpoints unlocked after covering a certain distance
• Ability to track your progress on the map
• Comparing your pace with other participants

Virtual postcards from the route

Unique element to increase engagement:

• Digital postcards with interesting facts discovered as you travel along the route
• Information about the places through which the virtual route leads
• An educational and entertainment element that increases motivation
• Collecting postcards as an additional incentive

Similar solutions for your organisation

The ideas from JogFit can be transferred to various e-commerce and wellness areas:

Loyalty apps with physical rewards

• Digital loyalty programs with real rewards
• Gamification of the purchasing process in your e-commerce
• Motivating customers to make regular purchases through challenges

Wellness platforms for companies

• Applications supporting employee health and activity
• Team challenges that build the spirit of cooperation
• Wellbeing programs with a reward system for employees

E-commerce with elements of challenge

• Enriching the shopping experience with an element of challenge
• Rewarding customers for specific purchasing behaviours
• Building a community around the brand and products

Event apps with prizes

• Platforms for conference and event participants
• Gamification of participation in fairs or training
• Digital-physical experiences for increased engagement

Contact us

Get inspired by our approach to JogFit and think about how we can connect the digital and physical worlds in your organisation.

Contact GMI Software and let’s talk about how we can create a solution together that will bring real business benefits and engage your customers!

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