Novara
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Overview
Novara was envisioned as a community-first social running platform that combines scheduling intelligence with compatibility-based matching. Rather than focusing solely on fitness metrics, the product prioritizes relationship building by connecting users based on their availability, preferred pace, location, running style, and shared interests, reducing the friction that prevents people from meeting. By combining intelligent scheduling, compatibility-based matching, and a strong emphasis on trust and safety, the platform creates opportunities for users to form lasting friendships around a shared activity. Rather than encouraging more time spent online, Novara's success is measured by helping people spend more time together. Rather than matching people simply because they run, Novara intelligently matches runners based on:
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Schedule compatibility
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Preferred pace
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Location
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Running goals
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Group size preference
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Social personality
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Activities after the run
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Existing trust network
Proposed Framework
The proposed experience revolves around creating highly compatible running groups through structured preferences rather than open event browsing. Key functionality includes:
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Calendar synchronization to identify mutual availability
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Pace selection
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Preferred run types
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Location and travel radius selection
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Desired group size
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Interest-based post-run activities
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Compatibility-based recommendations
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Safety features
Actions Taken
To address the challenges of finding compatible running partners and organizing consistent meetups, I developed a product strategy focused on simplifying planning, fostering trust, and creating meaningful in-person connections by:
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Conducting competitive and user research
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Defining user personas and primary use cases
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Prioritizing features for the MVP roadmap
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Creating user journeys and interaction flows
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Developing product requirements and acceptance criteria
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Aligning UX, engineering, and business priorities
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Defining success metrics and long-term product roadmap
User Personas
Social Explorer
Young professionals or individuals new to an area looking to expand their social circle through casual, low-pressure activities.
Goals
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Meet new people
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Stay active
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Discover local communities
Needs
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Pace matching
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Structured run types
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Reliable scheduling
Goal-Oriented Runner
Experienced runners seeking consistent training partners with similar fitness levels and schedules.
Goals
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Improve performance
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Maintain accountability
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Train consistently
Needs
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Pace matching
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Structured run types
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Reliable scheduling
Safety-Conscious Participant
Users who prioritize comfort, trust, and predictable experiences when meeting new people.
Goals
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Feel safe during meetups
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Build trusted relationships
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Join manageable group sizes
Needs
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Verified profiles
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Trust network integration
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Clear expectations before meeting
Outcome Goals
The product aims to measure success through both engagement and real-world impact by:
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Increasing successful in-person meetups
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Reducing scheduling friction
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Creating stronger compatibility between participants
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Fostering long-term community engagement
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Building a trusted and inclusive platform that encourages repeat participation
Summary
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Novara reimagines social networking by helping people build genuine relationships through shared physical activity. By combining intelligent scheduling, compatibility matching, and safety-focused design, the platform creates a more intentional alternative to traditional social and fitness applications. The product strategy emphasizes quality connections over quantity, supporting both user well-being and long-term engagement through meaningful, recurring experiences.