Running apps are big business but still low quality

There have been articles today about the acquisition of Runkeeper by Asics, and how most running apps are now owned by footwear or clothing companies. What nobody seems to be talking about is just how bad running apps are and how truly amazing it is anyone pays for them. When I see reviews of the ‘best’ running apps it reminds me of those kids’ sports days where everyone gets a medal just for taking part. I’ve used a running watch for a few years now, and love my Apple watch which has a great range of running apps, but honestly, they are all very poor quality.

The first rule of a running app is you have to be able to see the information easily while running. Not sort of see it, maybe, but just glance while puffing along, without tripping over, and get all the info needed. None of them do this! [yes my vision is fine] Its like they were designed by people who had friends who described what runners need, but never tested themselves.

Apple is the best, despite being a new entry with not as many aspects to its functionality. Why? They have screens with big numbers and only one piece of data, you swipe between screens to swap from elapsed time, to km run, to average pace. Each is easily visible at a glance. Unfortunately the app is very basic otherwise.

Maybe its not a surprise that apple knows how to design for the watch, they’ve had more time to practice. But Mapmyrun (also buggy), Strava (also buggy), Runkeeper, Runmeter, Nike Running have a lot of work to do with their design and its a shame because running apps could be so powerful. I want to see how my speed is changing, maybe with warnings if its dropping too much or too sharply. I want predictions of estimated time for the 5k I’m running, or how I’m doing relative to a set pace schedule. I want a training regime with fast sections and recovery sections. I want the watch app to control this beeping and vibrating to let me know when to speed up or slow down. This isn’t very complex, no technical challenges, its just user interface. When I said before “see” the info, that included any type of prompt, not just visual. The current apps feel like nobody has really tried, and thats just good enough. Its an OK strategy…. until the first disruptive app arrives doing all this and more, and then your custom base falls off the cliff. I can’t wait.