WeWard, a fitness app backed by tennis legend Venus Williams, has taken a unique approach to encouraging healthier habits by introducing a feature called 'Walking Mode'. This innovative mode locks access to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram until users hit a customizable walking goal, such as 3,000 steps. The idea behind this feature is to motivate people to increase their physical activity while reducing screen time, addressing the sedentary lifestyle often associated with social media use.
The concept originated from a non-technical staff member's insight, as shared by WeWard's co-founder and CEO, Yves Benchimol. He explained that the head of growth, Tyler Chandler, utilized AI-assisted coding to rapidly develop this feature within just two months. Chandler's goal was to demonstrate the power of AI-assisted coding and inspire the team to embrace their creative ideas.
Walking Mode builds upon WeWard's existing rewards system, where users earn 'Wards' for walking, which can be redeemed for various rewards. This feature not only encourages physical activity but also promotes a sense of accomplishment and friendly competition through leaderboards.
Benchimol emphasizes the app's focus on helping users transition away from their phones and engage with the real world. He believes that by restricting social media access until physical activity is completed, users are more likely to develop healthier habits and improve their overall well-being, both mentally and physically.
The app has gained popularity, with over 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million in the US. Top cities for user engagement include New York, Chicago, and Miami. WeWard claims that its platform increases walking time by nearly 25% on average, with a user base that is predominantly female (60%) and slightly above 35 years old.
In conclusion, WeWard's Walking Mode is a creative and effective strategy to promote a healthier lifestyle by intertwining physical activity with digital habits. By encouraging users to earn their digital rewards through physical exertion, the app offers a unique and engaging approach to wellness, all while keeping social media addiction at bay.
