Using Shared Decision-Making Approach in Workout Adjustment Guidance: A Case into Running Training Apps

Current running apps use advanced algorithms to analyse performance data and recommend workouts. Yet, it is unclear how interfaces can support recreational runners’ autonomy and decision-making during runners’ making adjustments in their training plans. We addressed this challenge by conducting a three-step study. We first conducted semi-structured interviews to explore runners’ needs and training plan and workout decision strategies, then adopted Shared Decision-Making (SDM) principles to redesign a running app interface and finally carried out a follow‑up evaluation study to understand the dynamics of technology-mediated workout adjustments. We found that technology-mediated workout adjustments approach is promising, but requires clear assistance‑selection control and interface simplicity. From these results, we distil a “Three‑Step Interaction Model” that balances user autonomy with system guidance. Our findings offer SportsHCI design guidelines for interfaces that deliver personalised support while preserving athlete independence.