Strava - tracking physical activity

Strava is a fitness app that uses gamification to engage 55 million users by addressing needs like competition, achievement, social connection, and progress tracking.

• Popular users to follow help newcomers feel part of the community and stay motivated, even if their friends aren’t on the app.
• Leaderboards drive competition by letting users compare their performance, boosting motivation through status and recognition.
• Challenges like “Ten Days Active” offer badges that mark progress and give users a sense of shared achievement.
• The social feed and kudos build connectedness and validation. Users can comment, share activities, and give kudos, creating a space where effort is seen and appreciated. This form of social feedback helps users feel part of something bigger. Personal goal-setting, on the other hand, is private and lacks this sense of mutual recognition.
• Team features and clubs foster community, support, and accountability through shared activities.

These elements make Strava feel social, rewarding, and motivating over time.