Maika

2025

Nike Run Music

MOTIVATING RUNNING THROUGH MUSIC

UX/UI

Context

Nike Run Music is a feature concept designed to increase runner motivation by the use of music. This new feature aligns music rhythm with running cadence. The system matches song BPM (beats per minute) with a runner’s SPM (steps per minute), generating personalized playlists based on performance goals.

Designer
Maika Sacerdote

Project Timeline
6.5 weeks

Year
2025

Project Type
UX/UI

Tools
Figma, Mid-journey, Illustrator, Photoshop

Context

WHY THIS PROBLEM MATTERS TO ME

Running has always been part of my routine, and Nike Run is the app I personally use to track my runs. This project began from my own experience — noticing how music influenced my motivation during workouts.

Running has always been part of my routine, and Nike Run is the app I personally use to track my runs. This project began from my own experience.

Problem Definition

MOTIVATION AS A PERFORMANCE BARRIER

Through interviews with runners, motivation emerged as one of the biggest challenges preventing consistency.

Lack of motivation was consistently identified as a barrier to running, while music emerged as the most frequently cited motivator, with nearly 80% of interviewees reporting that they run with it.

Lack of motivation was consistently identified as a barrier to running, while music emerged as the most frequently cited motivator, with nearly 100% of interviewees reporting that they run with it.

Discovery

UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT

Research into running behavior and music tempo revealed a strong relationship between BPM (beats per minute) and SPM (steps per minute).
Synchronizing rhythm with movement improves pacing, endurance, and engagement .

Research into running behavior and music tempo revealed a strong relationship between BPM (beats per minute) and SPM (steps per minute). Synchronizing rhythm with movement improves pacing, endurance, and engagement .

How Might We

HOW CAN I USE MUSIC TO INCREASE MOTIVATION?

Based on research insights about motivation and music habits, I framed and sketched this How Might We question to guide the development of solutions that support and motivate runners.

System Understanding

MAPPING THE EXISTING EXPERIENCE

Before introducing new functionality, I needed to understand how the existing Nike Run experience was structured. I mapped the full ecosystem to identify where music could integrate naturally without disrupting core running workflows.

LOW-FI

LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPES

I began by creating low-fidelity prototypes to explore where this feature could live within the app and how it would function within the existing experience.

Feature Design

BRINGING THE EXPERIENCE TO LIFE

From research insights, the feature was structured into three core components:

Create and suggest playlists
Inform about music
Visualize music insights

Visual Direction

DESIGNING WITHIN NIKE’S LANGUAGE

I used AI tools to generate campaign imagery that matched Nike's visual language — cinematic night running, warm gradient skies, and athletes visibly connected to music.

System Design

ENSURING SCALABILITY

A full design system created specifically for the Nike Run Music feature — components, BPM ranges, and data visualizations all documented and ready to build.