WeWard App Adds 'Walking Mode' to Restrict Screen Time Until Daily Step Goals Are Met

WeWard, a fitness app that rewards users for logging their steps, is launching a new feature called 'Walking Mode' that allows users to restrict their use of certain apps until they hit a daily step goal. This feature aims to encourage users to walk more while also reducing their screen time. The app allows users to set customizable step goals and choose which apps to restrict until those goals are met.

For example, a user could limit their access to TikTok or Instagram until they have walked 3,000 steps. WeWard's existing features include awarding users 'Wards,' an in-app currency that can be exchanged for cash, gift cards, or donations, as well as a gamified leaderboard to foster friendly competition. WeWard, which has received funding from tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams, boasts 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million users in the United States.

The app claims to have increased walking time by almost 25% among its users. 'We believe the next generation of products should be designed to create healthier behaviors in the real world, not simply capture more attention,' WeWard co-founder Yves Benchimol told TechCrunch. 'Walking Mode is our contribution to that vision, and we hope it inspires a broader conversation about mindful design and how the industry defines success.' WeWard's business model differs from some rewards apps, as it does not collect and sell user data to third parties.

Instead, the app generates revenue through in-app purchases, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions, and advertising. Why this matters: WeWard's 'Walking Mode' feature has significant implications for the fitness and tech industries. By encouraging users to walk more and reduce screen time, WeWard is promoting healthier behaviors and mindful design.

This feature could have a broader impact on the app development industry, as companies may begin to prioritize creating products that foster positive habits. For developers, this means considering alternative revenue models that do not rely on collecting user data. For businesses, it highlights the importance of promoting healthy habits among employees.

For consumers, it provides a tool to help manage screen time and prioritize physical activity. However, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of such features and their potential impact on user engagement. Ultimately, WeWard's approach could inspire a shift towards more responsible and health-conscious app design.