Hybrid Calisthenics

The Opportunity

Hampton’s fitness knowledge and enthusiasm have garnered the successful content creator and entrepreneur over 4M YouTube subscribers and 900K followers on Instagram. He wanted to give his audience an iOS and Android app to follow the Hybrid Calisthenics routine, learn new movements, and conveniently access resources.

The Hybrid Calisthenics routine has a book, videos, and social media content for its passionate audience. To reach even more users, the HyCal team wanted an app for Android and iOS that captured the popular routine, positive branding, and motivating experience. Consistency, flexibility, and accessibility were the focus of this venture — with a free ad-supported version so anyone can improve their health at home or on the go.

Our Services

Design
Mobile Apps
UX

A photo of Hampton next to thumbnails of his popular content

Our Approach

Hampton is a prolific content creator, often posting videos daily, which meant that pulling in content for the app was the easy part. However, an in-app experience where users can pick and choose their workouts and pace could mean a few challenges. So we started digging into the details.

Dedicated research and strong design

Mindgrub hosted multiple in-depth conversations, workshops, and research deliverables during our Discovery phase. After gaining a sense of the app’s goals and Hampton’s vision, style tiles were presented to cut down on design revisions and hone in on the look and feel.

A concept for the Hybrid Calisthenic mobile app with a bright green theme

An iphone bezel over a web app screenshot

A concept for the Hybrid Calisthenic mobile app with a gray and orange theme

Working out intuitive UX for ease of use

It was important to approach the app experience in the same way Hampton teaches his many followers—by educating and onboarding to the routine. With the addition of looping videos and written descriptions in the Movement Library, users are walked through every movement at their own pace.

Ad support for free access and a cool down

Taking an ad-supported route for the app felt like a no-brainer. Hampton was committed to creating an experience that was accessible to all. To do this, ads were utilized to support hosting costs and future expansion. After logging a set of exercises, a Google ad will play before a required rest break of 2-3 minutes, giving users time to finish reps or take a longer break.

I was very impressed with the design and research process. It really seemed like they approached the project from all angles.

– Hampton Liu, Hybrid Calisthenics creator and entrepreneur

Strong designs with tons of personality

As Mindgrub continued to collaborate closely with Hampton, it became clear his infectiously positive attitude was a huge part of what made his program successful. He believes that regardless of fitness level, everyone deserves a space to learn and build strength. Mindgrub designers infused wireframes and designs to capture the founder’s warmth and inclusivity.

By creating an app where users can follow the Hybrid Calisthenics routine, or select individual exercises as well as their level of complexity, users can build on their progress at their own pace in a judgement-free and encouraging space.

Intercom integration for better communication

Communicating directly with users was an integral part of Hampton’s vision. By integrating Intercom—a legacy customer service software—the Hybrid Calisthenics team would be able to utilize AI-powered software to quickly address any issues head-on for a better experience.

A 2.0 with a premium experience

Once the beta was out, the Mindgrub and HyCal teams went all in on 2.0. This would allow for a subscription-based premium model, which provides ad removal, a more dynamic rest timer, and exclusive exercises in the movement library.