This issue was solved and is closed.
David Kim asked on 13 Dec 2011 in Startups.

What do users want in a web-based (or mobile) running tool used to find other runners or to form running groups?

A basic mock-up for runner search tool: work.whinot.com.

1
Rachel Kane
Rachel Kane advised on 13 Dec 2011
Operations, Marketing, and Communications Strategy Expert
As a runner myself, I would like to know a few things before grouping up with strangers for a run:

1. Length in miles
2. Location (or 10 mile vicinity)
3. Day/Time
4. Experience level of fellow runners
5. Average pace

It would be nice to see a list of all of the running groups in my area defined with these 5 criteria. That way I could choose which groups to meet up with.

Hope this helps!
Rachel solved this issue.

1
Kyle Hawke
Kyle Hawke advised on 04 Jan 2012
Effectual Entrepreneur and Small Business Advocate
I'm training for my first marathon and therefore I'm always looking for a group to run with. I have a group which I run with on Saturday mornings, but I'm more interested in finding people during the week. I agree with everything Rachel outlined except "experience level." That's not a big deal to me because I think it's represented by average pace.

I have no issues meeting up with strangers for a run. If someone is committing to run 5 miles at 8 minute pace (or whatever), then that's enough of a screening criteria for me to know that they have to be sane or maybe a little crazy in a good sort of way.

Regarding the mockups you provided, here are a few thoughts:

  • On screen 1 it would be better to move the "ladies only" toggle to later in the flow and display it only to ladies (which you can determine by Facebook). It seems this is begging for security concerns if any unauthenticated user can determine where a group of ladies are running.
  • On screen 2, I don't care about the course map most of the time, especially when I am in my local area. If I am out of town this may be more important. Not sure this is a critical feature.
  • Screen 3 is a bit confusing. I am not sure what this screen is...a profile page for Lisa? I would be better able to give feedback if I could tell if/how the other runners related to Lisa.
  • Screen 3 again... I don't personally feel the need to validate what Lisa's previous runs were to determine whether I want to run with her. The barrier to doing one run to evaluate whether Lisa is a good fit is so low that I'd prefer to make judgments on my own rather than have the system try to help me.

Keep going on the path you are on with getting feedback and building out the mockups. This is the fastest and cheapest way to get real quality user feedback on what they want or need in an app like Traveldotto.
Kyle solved this issue.

0
Ravi M
Ravi M advised on 02 Feb 2012
Virtual Consultant - Start-up / Business
The number of features which can be added to the tool can be:

running schedule along with / without interval - reminder (SMS/alert)
training needs if any
heart rate monitoring
ideal weight
fat percent
running in winter
running specific tip for aged, women, kids
calorie and energy usage
ads - running cloths, running shoes (you can promote the same and integrate as part of the tool and it can be secondary revenue)
Based on the location, you can provide tips related to running routes. For example, using the mobile you can very easily identify near by running routes. This may be helpful for people who travel or visit other places frequently.
Ravi solved this issue.