Designing an Easy-to-Use Mobile Companion App for a Brain Health Wearable

 

Mobile App for the First Wearable for Active Nitric Oxide

Health, Wellness & Fitness Startup in Seattle, WA


Turning complex fitness science into a user-friendly mobile app

When NNOXX Co-Founder and CEO Justin Saul reached out about his vision for a groundbreaking wearable fitness device, we were immediately interested. The wearable measures active nitric oxide (PNO), which regulates of blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, and plays a critical, multifaceted role in brain health.

Unlike traditional fitness trackers, NNOXX’s unique focus on nitric oxide presents an educational challenge: many users may be unfamiliar with what it does, and how it is measured. To address this, the objective was to research, strategize, and design an intuitive MVP mobile experience that effectively engages users across varied age groups, fitness goals, and tech proficiency levels.

Screens from the app design process.

Guiding NNOXX from concept to wearable health MVP

Slide UX led the end-to-end design of the NNOXX mobile app MVP, guiding the product from early discovery through final delivery.

Strategy & Planning

  • Facilitated stakeholder workshops to align on goals and vision

  • Defined proto-personas and key user tasks to inform design decisions

  • Conducted a competitive review of similar products in the market

Interface Design & Usability Testing

  • Explored multiple visual directions to refine the app’s look and feel

  • Created wireframes, and built an interactive prototype for stakeholder and user feedback

  • Conducted usability testing with target users to validate the experience

  • Draft pixel-perfect, dev-ready designs for essential screens

Final Delivery

  • Iterated on designs based on test findings to improve usability

  • Delivered a comprehensive style guide and developer-ready assets for handoff

“Aha!” moments from our research

During usability testing, we learned that accommodating users of all age groups and experience levels meant that the mobile app needed to offer more flexibility and customization than originally anticipated.

We also learned just how unfamiliar users were with the role nitric oxide can play in gauging personal wellbeing. Our team adjusted the designs to provide even more education and guidance than originally planned.

Screens showing real-time feedback from the wearables during an exercise session.

Our project was no easy task. From initial discussions to ongoing discussions to user feedback, the requirements constantly changed. Slide UX took a heavily scientific app, and made it easy. We were delighted!
Justin Saul, CEO and Co-Founder

Early successes for NNOXX

NNOXX is already seeing strong early traction. As of June 2025, NNOXX had already:

  • Launched the first wearable to non-invasively measure bioactive nitric oxide (NO), a vital molecule for oxygen delivery and vascular health.

  • Earned the trust of NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and Olympic teams, as well as CrossFit Games athletes and UFC fighters.

  • Integrated with lead fitness platforms including Oura, Garmin, Peloton, and Strava

  • Garnered third-party press coverage and video reviews from users

NNOXX is easy to use.
— User review on the5krunner.com

The app can be found on the App Store as well as Google Play. Slide UX is not responsible for the app’s development or maintenance.

For updates, visit the NNOXX Blog or follow their latest innovations at LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.


See how NNOXX delivers personalized health insights


Lessons learned about a smooth MVP launch

What drove the success of the NNOXX Mobile App project? Strong client collaboration, a focused MVP mindset, and a highly adaptable team.

Slide UX addressed minor challenges quickly so they didn’t impact delivery. The project strengthened both our client relationship and internal design processes, setting a strong foundation for future work in brain health, wellness, and wearable tech space.

Other reminders that came from this project:

Prioritize MVP Discipline


Continually questioning whether features belonged in the MVP scope helped the team stay focused and deliver a lean, high-value product​.

Proactive Planning Pays Off


Establishing design systems and color/type early makes things faster in the later stages.

Client Collaboration is Critical


The client’s clear, fast feedback and team-based decision-making significantly contributed to the project's steady progress and ultimate success​.

Adaptability Matters

Even with late-stage scope adjustments and overlapping project steps, our team’s ability to adjust quickly ensured a seamless delivery.


Working with Slide UX was like a fluid conversation; our progress made the project a highlight of each week.
— Justin Saul, CEO and Co-Founder

For Slide UX, client experience is everything.

At Slide UX, we apply the same user-centered focus to our client experience as we apply to the end-user experience. Client satisfaction is key, and that’s why clients come back time after time.

Here’s how NNOXX rated their experience working with us.

 

NNOXX CEO and Co-Founder Justin Saul rated Slide UX 5 stars across the board in a third-party interview after the project.

Read the full review.