Running app

Trackpacer is a beam of light that orbits a running track. Comprised of 12,000 LEDs and an array of microcontrollers, it allows runners to create a pacing beam for training. Conceptually, it’s similar to the mechanical “rabbits” that are used in dog racing.

I designed the iOS app that allowed a user to operate Trackpacer.

The App

Controls are simple: a user can connect, start, and stop Trackpacer. The pacer’s starting spot on the track can be set by dragging the origin dot to the right location. Stored exercises can can be accessed by swiping the UI left and right. While it’s running, we ensure users can’t accidentally alter the settings.

Sharing control

Only one phone can control Trackpacer at a time. In some cases, it’s important to hand-off control from one person to another. In these cases, the requestor can press a button which messages the current owner. That person can pass control—or ignore the request. After a period of inactivity, the app automatically disconnects.

Changing settings

Changing settings is quick and error-free. Users can swipe between common settings like distance, pace, intervals, and pacer color. In cases where they want to input custom values like distance, a custom keyboard guards against bad input.

Watch

The user interface translates nicely down to wearables. I concepted an Apple Watch companion app, which would free up coaches’ hands to record observations about their runners.