guided breathwork
guided breathwork
Breathwork, Eyes Closed
An eyes-closed breathing experience native to COROS watches. Haptic pulses guide each phase while heart rate is tracked in real time, and routines are built in the app.
An eyes-closed breathing experience native to COROS watches. Haptic pulses guide each phase while heart rate is tracked in real time, and routines are built in the app.
Table of contents
Table of contents
Click any section to jump directly
Click any section to jump directly
1/ CONTEXT
1/ CONTEXT
COROS is a leading performance technology brand designing GPS sports watches and training tools for endurance athletes. Known for hardware precision and deep data analytics, the ecosystem lacked a seamless recovery experience connecting custom mobile breathwork planning with instant, zero-friction watch execution.
COROS is a leading performance technology brand designing GPS sports watches and training tools for endurance athletes. Known for hardware precision and deep data analytics, the ecosystem lacked a seamless recovery experience connecting custom mobile breathwork planning with instant, zero-friction watch execution.
2/ challenge
2/ challenge
Bridging Mobile Setup & Wrist Execution
Bridging Mobile Setup & Wrist Execution
While breathwork is essential for HRV recovery and parasympathetic activation, current sports wearables create high friction. Custom routines are painful to configure on small watch displays, while mobile apps lack context-aware execution when athletes need them most. The challenge was to design an end-to-end flow: enabling deep routine customization on mobile, paired with an instant, hardware-mapped watch interaction requiring zero cognitive load.
While breathwork is essential for HRV recovery and parasympathetic activation, current sports wearables create high friction. Custom routines are painful to configure on small watch displays, while mobile apps lack context-aware execution when athletes need them most.The challenge was to design an end-to-end flow: enabling deep routine customization on mobile, paired with an instant, hardware-mapped watch interaction requiring zero cognitive load.
3/ PROCESS
3/ PROCESS
Hands-On Audit, Benchmarking & Watch-First Execution
Hands-On Audit, Benchmarking & Watch-First Execution
Transitioning from Apple Watch to the COROS Pace 4 revealed a critical gap in an otherwise seamless ecosystem: guided breathwork. The process started with a full audit of COROS's design system alongside competitive benchmarks like Polar's Serene™.
After sketching low-fidelity wireframes on paper to align with endurance athlete personas, execution was strictly watch-first. Using a custom real-scale mockup shot on my own wrist to validate readability, I designed the watch UI, expanded the mobile management screens, and engineered the breathing motion loops.
Transitioning from Apple Watch to the COROS Pace 4 revealed a critical gap in an otherwise seamless ecosystem: guided breathwork. The process started with a full audit of COROS's design system alongside competitive benchmarks like Polar's Serene™.
After sketching low-fidelity wireframes on paper to align with endurance athlete personas, execution was strictly watch-first. Using a custom real-scale mockup shot on my own wrist to validate readability, I designed the watch UI, expanded the mobile management screens, and engineered the breathing motion loops.
Real-Scale & Watch-First UI
Wrist photo mockup, App & Motion
Real-Scale & Watch-First UI
Wrist photo mockup, App & Motion
Low-Fi Paper Wireframing
Filtering flows for COROS personas
Low-Fi Paper Wireframing
Filtering flows for COROS personas
Audit & Benchmarking
COROS, Garmin, Polar, Apple
Audit & Benchmarking
COROS, Garmin, Polar, Apple
3/ PROCESS : STEP 1
3/ PROCESS : STEP 1
Competitive Audit & Benchmark
Competitive Audit & Benchmark
To identify why existing wearable solutions fail athletes post-workout,
I analyzed the three major ecosystems against COROS’s current baseline.
To identify why existing wearable solutions fail athletes post-workout, I analyzed the three major ecosystems against COROS’s current baseline.
Ecosystem
Ecosystem
Primary Focus
Primary Focus
Interaction Model
Interaction Model
UX Friction
UX Friction
Apple Watch
Apple Watch
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Desk & lifestyle wellbeing
Desk & lifestyle wellbeing
Visual ring animation +
light haptics
Visual ring animation +
light haptics
Contextually detached: Mid-day alerts with zero athletic tie-in or post-run HR recovery tracking.
Contextually detached: Mid-day alerts with zero athletic tie-in or post-run HR recovery tracking.
Garmin
Garmin
Breathwork
Breathwork
Stress relief & biofeedback
Stress relief & biofeedback
Screen prompts + vibrations
Screen prompts + vibrations
Feature bloat: Buried under nested menus, creating high cognitive friction immediately after hard efforts.
Feature bloat: Buried under nested menus, creating high cognitive friction immediately after hard efforts.
Polar
Polar
Serene™
Serene™
Autonomic nervous system recovery
Autonomic nervous system recovery
Visual diamond gauge + zones
Visual diamond gauge + zones
Rigid structure: Solid physiological intent, but lacks modular custom routines and dynamic pacing.
Rigid structure: Solid physiological intent, but lacks modular custom routines and dynamic pacing.
Coros
Coros
Current
Current
None
(Native feature missing)
None
(Native feature missing)
Third-party mobile apps
Third-party mobile apps
Screen dependency & broken routines: Forces users to rely on a smartphone for daily routines (pre-sleep, pre-race focus, midday resets, post-run), breaking immersion with notifications and blue light.
Screen dependency & broken routines: Forces users to rely on a smartphone for daily routines (pre-sleep, pre-race focus, midday resets, post-run), breaking immersion with notifications and blue light.
Insight
Competitors either treat breathing as a passive desk widget or clutter the OS with complex sub-menus. The opportunity for COROS is a 100% opt-in, eyes-closed recovery tool driven entirely by haptic pulses and physical dial controls.
Competitors either treat breathing as a passive desk widget or clutter the OS with complex sub-menus. The opportunity for COROS is a 100% opt-in, eyes-closed recovery tool driven entirely by haptic pulses and physical dial controls.
3/ PROCESS : STEP 2
Product Hypotheses & Constraints
To translate athlete feedback into actionable design decisions while preserving COROS's minimalist DNA, I defined three core hypotheses before moving into UI execution.
1
Haptic-First Guidance
« If respiratory pacing is driven purely by distinct haptic vibration sequences, then athletes will be able to complete protocols with their eyes closed in any setting (in bed, before a start line, or during recovery) with zero screen glare and zero cognitive load. »
Design contraints
Hardware-mapped pacing using the Digital Dial and vibration motor; minimal reliance on screen animations.
2
Zero-Bloat & 100% Opt-In
« If the feature is integrated as a standalone activity rather than an unsolicited notification system, then it will serve athletes who prioritize active recovery without cluttering the interface for pure performance runners. »
Design contraints
No intrusive mid-day desk nudges; clean placement within the customizable activities menu.
3
Distributed Cognitive Load
« If detailed routine creation and biometric analysis are offloaded to the mobile app, then on-wrist interaction will remain instant, single-click, and completely frictionless. »
Design contraints
Deep multi-step builder on iOS/Android; 1-click launch presets on the watch.
3/ PROCESS : STEP 3
3/ PROCESS : STEP 3
Low-Fi Paper Wireframing & Hardware Mapping
Low-Fi Paper Wireframing & Hardware Mapping
Designing for a circular display requires strict spatial restraint. Before jumping into high-fidelity Figma components, I sketched extensive layout variations to test how physical controls (Digital Dial and lower back button) interact with glanceable data.
The collage above presents a curated selection of those early low-fidelity explorations, mapping out everything from circular pacing mechanics to the mobile routine builder before finalizing the system.
Designing for a circular display requires strict spatial restraint. Before jumping into high-fidelity Figma components, I sketched extensive layout variations to test how physical controls (Digital Dial and lower back button) interact with glanceable data.
The collage above presents a curated selection of those early low-fidelity explorations, mapping out everything from circular pacing mechanics to the mobile routine builder before finalizing the system.
4/ SOLUTIONS
4/ SOLUTIONS
An End-to-End Recovery System Native to
the COROS Ecosystem
An End-to-End Recovery System Native to
the COROS Ecosystem
Explore key touchpoints across watch and mobile:
Explore key touchpoints across watch and mobile:
watch setup
watch setup
Native Integration & Hardware-Mapped Setup
Native Integration & Hardware-Mapped Setup
Leveraged native COROS list items and wheel picker components to minimize developer implementation effort and maintain system consistency.
Leveraged native COROS list items and wheel picker components to minimize developer implementation effort and maintain system consistency.
screens / watch_setup
screens / watch setup
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Native Activity Entry
Integrated directly into the primary activity list alongside sports modes for instant access post-workout.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Session Preset Selector
Quick selection of structured respiratory routines.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Duration Picker
Synchronizes active breath cycles (
08 CYCLES) with exact computed session duration (02:32) to eliminate user mental math and prevent any mid-cycle interruption.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Native Activity Entry
Integrated directly into the primary activity list alongside sports modes for instant access post-workout.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Session Preset Selector
Quick selection of structured respiratory routines.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Duration Picker
Synchronizes active breath cycles (
08 CYCLES) with exact computed session duration (02:32) to eliminate user mental math and prevent any mid-cycle interruption.
guided loop
guided loop
Real-Time Visual & Haptic Guidance Loop
Real-Time Visual & Haptic Guidance Loop
A minimal live view featuring a 60% to 100% scaling animation synchronized with physiological phases. Engineered for eyes-closed focus via rhythmic haptic pulses and single-click hardware controls.
A minimal live view featuring a 60% to 100% scaling animation synchronized with physiological phases. Engineered for eyes-closed focus via rhythmic haptic pulses and single-click hardware controls.
screens / guided_loop
screens / guided loop
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Haptic Countdown
3-2-1 pulse sequence establishing steady breathing cadence before starting.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Live Guidance View
Smooth 60% to 100% central expansion loop paired with explicit phase prompts and outer progress arc.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
In-Session Metrics & State Shift
Displays real-time metrics during pause and dynamically transitions to finalized stats upon completion.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Haptic Countdown
3-2-1 pulse sequence establishing steady breathing cadence before starting.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
Live Guidance View
Smooth 60% to 100% central expansion loop paired with explicit phase prompts and outer progress arc.
Take a deep breath while high-res assets load 🫁
In-Session Metrics & State Shift
Displays real-time metrics during pause and dynamically transitions to finalized stats upon completion.
State-Driven Consistency
The in-session 'Details' view and the post-workout summary share the exact same UI component. By dynamically transitioning from active states (Current) to finalized states (End / Total), this single-component approach significantly reduces developer workload, ensures strict product consistency across the OS, and eliminates user cognitive load through immediate familiarity.
The in-session 'Details' view and the post-workout summary share the exact same UI component. By dynamically transitioning from active states (Current) to finalized states (End / Total), this single-component approach significantly reduces developer workload, ensures strict product consistency across the OS, and eliminates user cognitive load through immediate familiarity.
mobile app
mobile app
Mobile Ecosystem &
Routine Builder
Mobile Ecosystem &
Routine Builder
Extends the wearable experience with modular routine creation, smart recovery reminders, and deep biometric analytics synced seamlessly with COROS hardware.
Extends the wearable experience with modular routine creation, smart recovery reminders, and deep biometric analytics synced seamlessly with COROS hardware.
screens / Ecosystem & libraries
screens /
ecosystem & libraries
Activity Feed & Navigation
Breathwork sessions indexed in the feed and upgrades header ergonomics with a unified dropdown title and an accessible "View stats".
Session Details
Translates complex biometrics (HR drop, HRV, stress) into an intuitive relaxation score (
94) and downward heart rate curve, backed by contextual physiological guidance.
Official Library
Curated breathing protocols categorized by level and physiological goal with visual pacing previews.
Personal Library
Unifies breathwork with others workouts, using "Installed" badges for storage clarity.
Activity Feed & Navigation
Breathwork sessions indexed in the feed and upgrades header ergonomics with a unified dropdown title and an accessible "View stats".
Session Details
Translates complex biometrics (HR drop, HRV, stress) into an intuitive relaxation score (
94) and downward heart rate curve, backed by contextual physiological guidance.Official Library
Curated breathing protocols categorized by level and physiological goal with visual pacing previews.
Personal Library
Unifies breathwork with others workouts, using "Installed" badges for storage clarity.
screens / routine builder & parameters
screens /
routine builder & parameters
Routine Overview &
Hardware SyncVisualizes cycle pacing via an organic wave curve. Features an explicit "Installed" / "Install" CTA to prevent wearable storage overload.
Step Editor Modal
Assigns breath phase types and durations in seconds using and wheel precision or quick-select presets to streamline custom routine building.
Modular Routine Builder
Allows athletes to build custom sessions by stacking Inhale / Hold / Exhale phases, with dynamic duration computing and flexible target modes.
Target Duration Modal
Accelerates routine setup via quick-select chips while offering minute-by-minute precision and real-time cycle estimates.
Target Cycles Modal
Enables single-tap selection for high cycle counts while providing instant duration estimates to remove setup friction.
Unlimited Session Modal
Removes strict time or cycle constraints for meditation and pre-sleep routines, looping continuously until manually stopped on the watch.
Smart Reminders
Quick-scheduling modal that auto-syncs recurring alerts to the watch, removing setup friction to anchor recovery into daily routines.
View reminder alert on watch
Routine Overview &
Hardware SyncVisualizes cycle pacing via an organic wave curve. Features an explicit "Installed" / "Install" CTA to prevent wearable storage overload.
Step Editor Modal
Assigns breath phase types and durations in seconds using and wheel precision or quick-select presets to streamline custom routine building.
Modular Routine Builder
Allows athletes to build custom sessions by stacking Inhale / Hold / Exhale phases, with dynamic duration computing and flexible target modes.
Target Duration Modal
Accelerates routine setup via quick-select chips while offering minute-by-minute precision and real-time cycle estimates.
Target Cycles Modal
Enables single-tap selection for high cycle counts while providing instant duration estimates to remove setup friction.
Unlimited Session Modal
Removes strict time or cycle constraints for meditation and pre-sleep routines, looping continuously until manually stopped on the watch.
Smart Reminders
Quick-scheduling modal that auto-syncs recurring alerts to the watch, removing setup friction to anchor recovery into daily routines.
View reminder alert on watch
5/ validation & takeways
Community Validation & Market Signal
To test whether this concept solved a widespread user problem or remained a personal niche desire, I shared the case study directly with the endurance community on Reddit (r/Coros). The response provided immediate, qualitative, and quantitative validation within 72 hours.
17K+
Community Views
Over 17,000 endurance athletes reached across the US (33%), Europe, and the UK in under 72 hours.
77%
Upvote Ratio
Strong organic approval confirming deep product-market resonance within the sub-reddit community.
90+
Community Engagements
Direct interactions across upvotes, shares, and comments from athletes sharing specific recovery routines.
Tat2B
1d ago
This is absolutely something needed !! I also see it in polar watches (which is also quite well made). Coros definitely needs to hear you man, I’m really waiting for this feature to come live !! Congrats
KRA347
3h ago
I've been asking them to add it to their products for years. Your work is excellent and very important! I really hope they add your development to their products!
gamesofblame
5h ago
I like it. Would use it for pre-sleep routine or general nervous system regulation needs.
Separate_Care_7662
2d ago
Excellent idea !
Will certainly use this.
Market Takeaway
The data and discussions confirmed that breathwork is considered an essential athletic tool when integrated natively. Runners explicitly requested it for pre-race stress regulation, post-run heart rate down-regulation, and bedtime recovery, proving that an opt-in, haptic-driven feature solves a long-standing gap in the COROS ecosystem.
Keys Learnings
Designing for Physical Context
Designing for Physical Context
Athletic and recovery interfaces demand radical restraint. Shifting visual focus to rhythmic haptic pulses and glanceable typography confirmed that wearable UX succeeds most when athletes can execute routines with their eyes closed, without cognitive friction.
Athletic and recovery interfaces demand radical restraint. Shifting visual focus to rhythmic haptic pulses and glanceable typography confirmed that wearable UX succeeds most when athletes can execute routines with their eyes closed, without cognitive friction.
Ecosystem Role Balancing
Ecosystem Role Balancing
A cross-device feature relies on a strict division of labor: the mobile companion absorbs granular configuration and habit scheduling, while the watch focuses strictly on single-click, zero-latency execution.
Native System Scalability
Native System Scalability
Working within existing COROS design guidelines proved the value of component reuse. Building on established picker wheels, typography scales, and list patterns minimizes developer implementation cost while maintaining instant OS familiarity.
Closing the Value Loop
Closing the Value Loop
Habit formation requires tangible proof of progress. Connecting guided breathing sessions to objective biometric feedback (HR drop, HRV recovery, relaxation scores) transforms breathwork from a novelty feature into an indispensable athletic tool.
Disclaimer: This is an independent, unsolicited UI/UX concept project not affiliated with or endorsed by COROS©. All brand assets, logos, and promotional video footage belong to COROS©.
Thank you for your time,
see you soon!
Thank you for your time, see you soon!