NCFIT Content & UX Writer

My Key Contributions:

  • Content Writer

  • UX Writer

  • Research Analyst

Overview:

I am one of the lead Content & UX Writers for the NCFIT product and mobile app that gets distributed to 800+ Gyms worldwide and 5000+ coaches and staff. NCFIT is a CrossFit gym located in the Bay Area of California. Our goal is to showcase our world-class product of programming and help make it as accessible as possible for everyone. We do this by providing writing content that gets distributed around the world through our Coaches & User App.

Team:

  • 8 Person Content Writing Team

Tools:

  • Google Docs

  • Multi-platformed program upload

Timeline:

  • Weekly

  • Started Aug. 2020

Professional Writing for Professional Coaching

At NCFIT we pride ourselves on showcasing what we believe is the best CrossFit programming. With that being said, how do we get the word out and showcase exactly what we are looking to achieve? The NCFIT Coaches App was developed as a step-by-step guide to help any level of coach successfully execute a class from minute 1 to minute 60. There have been several iterations of how we upload or produce the document. This showcase is focused on the most recent iteration from complexity to simplicity. How do we take our program and make sure it is simple and easy to use for any individual that reads it? Let’s dive into it.

Our Goal:

Increase readability and understanding of the program so that all users can safely guide their athletes through a workout.

The overarching goal of the writing is to make it seem that a coach is talking to another coach and giving them a breakdown on how to run the class. That means we need to successfully break down each eliminate within the workout to guide them through the process. This requires the writing team and I to take in a variety of factors to help the coach teach a great class. This also means we are taking on the personal branding of not only ourselves but NCFIT as well. How do we make sure that the language being used is also universal for our brand?

800+ Gyms Around the World

Gyms from all around the world subscribe to the NCFIT programming which means we impact thousands upon thousands of individuals.

5000+ Coaches & Team Members

All skill levels of coaches and team members are reading this content and need to be able to successfully navigate the class with the information provided.

The Problem:

What may be a common understanding for NCFIT, is not a common understanding for all Gyms & Coaches.

Based on recent survey results and user feedback we discovered that although the quality of the product is great, the writing needed serious improvement to be more usable. Several areas within our document needed some substantial overhaul.

Let’s use an example to explain our point.

For Time:

30 Bear Complex* (155/105)

*Starting at 0:00 and every 1:00 after complete 5 B.O.B & 5 V-Ups

Technical Specific Jargon

NCFIT typically used jargon that we felt was common. However, after user feedback, we found that we need to simplify even more.

Looking at the example above we have several points that may not make sense to those who are unfamiliar. What’s a B.O.B, or Bear Complex? What does For Time mean?

Too Much Information

An overabundance of words led many coaches to skim quickly through the information or skip important factors. 

For a workout like this, it is easy to use an overabundance of words and really drag out this workout. We should look to give some quick points and then proceed.

How-To Adjustments

No uniform standard of movement adjustment. Whether that was equipment-focused or something else. We needed to create better opportunities for specific adjustments.

For some, that weight may be too heavy, so how do we adjust? If I can’t do V-Ups what should I do?

Insufficient Context

The product is great, but it lacked a “why”. Why are we doing things in a specific manner versus something else?

Ultimately, what is the point and focus of this workout? Is it meant to be fast, heavy, or more for quality?

The Solution:

Simple Writing equals Powerful Results 

After the feedback we received from the users regarding our format and structure, we decided we need to simplify the process a bit more. We wrote shorter, simpler briefs that showcased powerful content but with a more focused approach. We also focused on making sure each step within the process was as clear as possible so that any level of coach could take the document and coach a successful class.

Below are some images of our content with the improved writing standards based on our user research for improvement. Our first section focuses on creating a personal and professional brand while also showcasing quick highlights of the day. Our second image showcases a step-by-step process in our teaching section to help remove any questions on how to run that part of the workout.

In the images below you can see a focused effort on the “why” portion of our workouts. As in, “Why do we do we program it in this way?” What is the underlying factor and focus on the day and how is it best achieved? You will also see how we give multiple options for adjustments depending on a variety of factors. Previously we weren’t as specific when providing adjustments.

The New Standard:

Write with your Voice! 

Ultimately our standard changed to writing a more conversational, yet simple structure. We wanted the reader to feel as if the Coach who wrote it is specifically speaking to them. 

We wanted to make sure our adjustments and standards became universal for all. Which meant we needed to think about multiple opportunities for adjustments. Examples included: injuries, large classes, skill levels, and equipment. 

Since changing to the new standard, we have seen an increase in user satisfaction and reduced time and effort needed for the writers. We are always looking to improve upon the product and will continue to do so in the future!