02 · Independent product · 2026
Turning an Instructor Probleminto a Paid Product
I led KORA from instructor insight to a shipped iOS and watchOS app that reached 1.14K first-time downloads, 147 in-app purchases and 210 monthly active users, helping Lagree instructors plan and teach from one system.
- class-programming time reported in instructor research
- 2–3h
- first-time downloads
- 1.14K
- in-app purchases
- 147
- monthly active users
- 210
01 · Overview
I knew the problem firsthand. I wanted to know if it was worth building.
As a Lagree instructor, I saw peers turn class ideas into teachable routines using disconnected notes and timers. The instructors I spoke to reported spending 2–3 hours programming a class.
A native iOS and Apple Watch app for creating, running and sharing routines.
I led the product strategy, research, UX/UI and overall product direction. I also contributed to implementation, testing and launch alongside a collaborator.
02 · Opportunity
Three signals gave me enough conviction to build.
01 · Pain
Programming took hours.
The creative idea existed. Turning it into a structured, teachable class created the work.
02 · Gap
Tools solved fragments.
Timers and notes supported pieces of the job, without matching how instructors compose a class.
03 · Market
The niche was focused.
Direct conversations, market research and my domain knowledge identified a clear audience.
03 · Product decisions
Design around how instructors think.
Traditional structure
- Choose block
- Categorise
- Add exercises
- Configure
KORA
- Move
- Move
- Move
- Routine
Instructors think through movements and transitions first. KORA starts with the smallest useful building block: the move.
Final product
Plan the class. Shape each move. Teach from the same system.
The final experience connects routine planning and live teaching without switching tools.
Product design
The system was designed as a connected flow.
Build from moves. Turn the plan into the player. Keep the active routine accessible on Apple Watch.
04 · Design → build
From product direction to a shipped App Store release.
I carried the experience from early product decisions into working iOS and watchOS software, using AI-assisted Swift development and collaborating on implementation, QA and release.
- Define
Product strategy, research and UX/UI
- Build
AI-assisted Swift implementation
- Test
iPhone and Apple Watch QA
- Ship
TestFlight and App Store release
Early MVP
The first working version made the trade-offs tangible.
I tested the routine model and player before refining the interaction and visual system.
When implementation changed the design
The constraint produced a better interaction.
- Original intent
Fixed timer + independently scrolling routine
- Reality
Unnecessary interaction complexity
- Shipped
The interface moves, then returns focus to the active exercise
05 · Launch → traction
The product reached instructors and converted.
- first-time downloads
- 1.14K
- in-app purchases
- 147
- monthly active users
- 210
Distribution
Trust already has distribution channels.
- Social content
Individual instructors
- Master trainers
Instructor cohorts
- App Store
Intent-driven discovery
I began testing partnerships and promotional codes alongside one-to-one acquisition.
06 · Reviews
Instructors said KORA helped them teach with more confidence.
Early App Store reviews connected the product decisions to the moments that mattered: faster planning, clearer routines and more presence while teaching.
Changed the game!
★★★★★
Seriously made my teaching tons better with just how good the interface and functionality of the app is! I love the built-in feature to add variations, as well as the ability to rearrange them! Color of the mega springs has also been so helpful. How it looks on the Apple Watch too is so clean! If you’re an instructor, this is ittttt!!!!!
my life saver
★★★★★
I LOVE the Kora app! It’s so easy to use and helps me structure my routines. Because I can view my routine on my watch, I can be more present when I’m teaching instead of being too preoccupied with what variation is next or timing. Also, they have the best customer service and always listen to feedback! I’ll never shut up about how much I love this app!
Best app for Lagree instructors
★★★★★
I used another app before and had many issues so was so happy that someone made an app just for lagree instructors! I love the library where you save blocks. It makes it so easy and quick to put together a new class. I highly recommend!
WOWWEEEE
★★★★★
It. Saves. Time. Kora is the first app where I have wanted to use instead of just writing it down. The shareable nature of it with other instructors is so smart and helps knowledge sharing in the community!! BIG SHOUT
07 · Reflection
KORA changed where I think design ends.
I became responsible for the interaction model, technical trade-offs, distribution and whether anyone would pay.
AI didn’t replace the craft of product design. It expanded the surface area I could take responsibility for.