Habiteam

Bringing Social Energy to Solo Fitness Habits for Remote Workers

Chaeri Bong

Why do so many people struggle to build lasting habits, and how can design intervene? As a designer, I'm driven to address the underlying inertia and psychological barriers that hinder people from achieving greater physical well-being and consistent action. This challenge lies at the heart of improving long-term health and quality of life.

My body of work explores the challenge of sustaining solo fitness habits, especially in the absence of social motivation found in collaborative settings. Through theoretical research and interviews with 14 participants plus a survey, I examined how social factors—like motivation, accountability, and collaboration—impact habit formation, while also recognizing the downsides of negative pressure. The focus centered on those most affected by this struggle, particularly remote and hybrid workers in a post-COVID world. The project's outcome comprises three distinct yet related concepts.

The primary emphasis is on "Habiteam," a mobile app designed as a Small-Circle Social Habit Builder. This app aims to foster friendly motivation within trusted groups (friends, family, accountability partners) and promotes positive engagement through gamified challenges, mutual encouragement, shared reflection, and celebrations, cultivating a sense of collective energy while minimizing negative social pressures.

The second concept uses NFC tags as physical touchpoints for connection, linked to the digital app. Placed in users’ fitness spaces or gear, these low-effort tags let participants exchange playful encouragement based on habit progress in their challenge. Scanning a tag triggers surprise “roast or toast” cards—light-hearted messages tailored to their competition—fostering social check-ins and a shared sense of purpose, even in rivalry.